Ed Brown Society, TJC Providing Students Opportunities

The Ed Brown Society and The Jockey Club are in the second year of their partnership that provides opportunities for more students to access resources and gain experience within the equine industry. 

During the spring semester, The Jockey Club selected Ed Brown Scholar Bethaney Beaver for a summer internship with America's Best Racing (ABR)—a multi-media platform that operates through The Jockey Club's subsidiary TJC Media Ventures. Additionally, The Jockey Club recently awarded scholarships to two additional Ed Brown Scholars, Giovanni Ricardo and Sophia Vega.

Bethaney, a native of Traverse City, Michigan, has been an equestrian since early childhood and is the proud owner of Blue, her 14-year-old quarter horse. Bethany, a junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Equine Science and Management, began her eight-week internship with The Jockey Club on June 2nd, where she is contributing to fan engagement efforts and exploring the intersection of media and racing. America's Best Racing recently published her column, Overshadowed by Greatness, Sham Was a Star in His Own Right.  

With the aspiration of becoming a horse trainer, Bethaney sees this experience as a valuable steppingstone. "I believe this internship will influence my future career as a trainer by helping me gain the skills to professionally promote my work through media outlets," Beaver shared.

Additionally, Ed Brown Scholar Giovanni Ricardo, a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Marketing and Finance, was recently awarded The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship ($10,000 per semester) for 2025-2026. He also had the opportunity to intern with America's Best Racing last summer, during which time ABR published his column, Six Amazing Restaurants to Try Near Monmouth Park. Reflecting on the opportunities afforded through The Jockey Club, Giovanni said, "My internship with America's Best Racing was a phenomenal experience - extremely educational not only for my interest in marketing but also for deepening my understanding of the racing industry. I'm also extremely grateful for The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship, as it has given me the financial freedom to devote myself to what I'm passionate about--both professionally and academically."

This spring, Ed Brown Scholar Sophia Vega, was awarded The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($10,000 per semester) for the second consecutive year. As a rising senior majoring in Animal Science at the University of Kentucky, Sophia aspires to become an equine veterinary surgeon. "I've wanted to become a veterinarian for my entire life because of the impact that they have on both animal patients and human clients. This scholarship, from The Jockey Club, continues to be a major aid and tremendous investment into my future career."

"Partnering with the Ed Brown Society has been very rewarding for The Jockey Club," said James L. Gagliano, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Jockey Club. "Ed Brown Scholars have proved to be exceptional contributors to our companies and the industry, and we are proud to support their progress and success within the sport through our internship and scholarship programs." 

Of The Jockey Club's partnership with the Ed Brown Society in connecting these scholars with resources and opportunities, Clark Williams, the President of the Ed Brown Society says, "We are extremely proud of Bethaney, Giovanni and Sophia, and are delighted to have a front row seat to witness each of them progress in their development. Receiving scholarship awards of this magnitude and having the opportunity to contribute to the remarkable work of America's Best Racing, will have an extraordinary impact on their respective academic and professional trajectories. We salute The Jockey Club for its commitment to joining us in advancing opportunities for talented young people to progress toward their professional aspirations within the equine industry."