Q&A With Saratoga Steward Erinn Higgins
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Erinn Higgins, 27, became the first female steward at Saratoga Race Course, the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA’s) crown jewel in upstate New York.
Stewards in racing function similar to referees in other sports, deciding whether rules are broken, handing down necessary punishments and handling licensing of owners, trainers and jockeys.
Higgins took some time to discuss how she was introduced to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, some of her best memories in racing and some of her personal favorites outside of racing.
Name: Erinn Higgins
How and when I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing: My mom and dad met at Saratoga [Race Course], my dad a trainer and my mom an exercise rider, so you could say I was born into it. I grew up in Saratoga, so I was lucky enough spend every summer at the track.
My favorite racetrack: My hometown track of Saratoga! But I would love to visit Keeneland.
My favorite Thoroughbred racing event: The Kentucky Derby. It reminds me every year of the great history in horse racing.
Other sports/teams I follow: Virginia Tech football & basketball (Go Hokies!), the Buffalo Bills, and New York Yankees
What I would like to see more of in Thoroughbred racing: I would like to see more emphasis on the hard work and dedication it takes to get horses to the races. The individuals that work with the animals 7 days a week, 365 days a year make it possible for us to have careers and enjoyment from racing.
What I would like to see less of in Thoroughbred racing: Negativity toward the sport
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me: Dedication, excitement, lifestyle
Favorite all-time Thoroughbred: A filly my dad trained named Dance Wild. Though, I do love watching Wise Dan run, and FINALLY witnessing my first Triple Crown, I have to add American Pharoah to the list.
My personal best moment in the sport of Thoroughbred racing: My first day working as an accredited steward was at Belmont Park. I was unaware, but it made me the first female to work as a steward in a NYRA stand, so that is very special. I have a lot of great memories from Saratoga, so it’s hard to pick just one.
Best racetrack food can be found at: Chicken sandwich and french fries from the stand on the backside at Saratoga.
My favorite jockey: Rosie Napravnik
My favorite trainer: It will always be “the Chief,” H. Allen Jerkens
My heroes: My mom, dad, stepdad and grandmother. They have always supported my aspirations to have a career in horse racing.
Person in Thoroughbred racing I’d like to have dinner with: My great uncle is Charlie Whittingham, he passed away when I was very young, I would have loved to sit and talk to him about racing as I became more involved.
Philosophy on life: I think this quote sums it up: “It’s not how much we have, but how we enjoy, that makes happiness”
Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended: The Orange Bowl
Best book I recently read: “The Longest Ride”
Favorite quote or motto: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Favorite animal other than a horse: Dog
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite vacation spot: Any boat on a lake
Favorite city: I have been to San Francisco once and loved it
Favorite musician/band: Garth Brooks/Zac Brown Band
Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad,” “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “Homeland”
Favorite hotel: Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. I loved the aquarium!
Websites I visit daily: The Blood-Horse, Equibase, Facebook, ESPN
Favorite movie about horse racing: “Seabiscuit”
Alma Mater: Virginia Tech
Favorite memento: My mom has print of Sunday Silence and Easy Goer that I hope to inherit some day.
Favorite dessert: A Stewart’s Shops’ milkshake
Favorite drink: I do love a good margarita
Favorite scent: Fresh-cut grass
Favorite tech gadget: iPhone
Twitter Handle: @Erinn_Higgins
People I follow on Twitter: I don’t use twitter a lot but I do follow NYRA, Fred Jackson and ABR
No. 1 Bucket-List item: Royal Ascot