The new racing partnership with a mission of bringing diversity and inclusion to the equine industry is ready to launch.
As One Racing Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.— As One Racing Stables announced today its first diverse and inclusive racing partnership. The group will race under the As One Racing banner and has acquired its first equine athlete to promote the group’s mission and vision.
As One Racing was formed by a group of six like-minded individuals with a desire to grow the sport by broadening its base and bringing new faces to the industry. Turning to history, the group recognized the need for the African American community that had once been a vital part of the industry to be welcomed back. The group’s founders and management committee reflect its vision — a diverse group of individuals working together to compete at the highest level while carrying out a vision and mission of promoting diversity and inclusion. To date, the group has focused its efforts on its educational mission, speaking on the history of African Americans and diversity in the sport at numerous public and private events. Now, As One is ready to move forward with racing.
As One acquired its first horse, Bipartisanship (GB), in partnership with Commonwealth Racing and others at the recent Keeneland January Horses of All Ages sale. The five-year-old filly by Bated Breath out of the Oasis Dream mare Dream Wild has already had success at the listed stakes level and placed at the Graded Stakes level. As One is hoping to run at the same level and more for 2023.
The first partnership carries out the mission of the venture by pairing newcomers to the sport from diverse backgrounds together with industry stalwarts. Founder and partner Leon Nichols believes partnering together shows a real desire of the industry to be welcoming and inclusive: “Being able to participate in this great sport as a minority and pay tribute to the famed horsemen from the late 1800s is thrilling. Doing it as business partners with industry insiders who welcome us shows that we can set an example for the future and drive real change.” Recognizing the need and goals of the venture, Eric and Tammy Gustavson with Spendthrift Farm were quick to join from the outset: “We are strong believers in the mission of As One Racing and were immediately interested in participating when we heard about it,” said Eric Gustavson. Other notable names from the horse world who have partnered in As One include Alex Rankin with Upson Downs Farm, Everett Dobson with Cheyenne Stables and Candy Meadows Farm, and Bret Jones with Airdrie Stud.
The founders of As One, who also serve on its management committee, include Nichols, who co-founded the Project to Preserve African American Turf History; Jonathan Israel, a longtime racing fan and administrator at the University of Louisville; Romain Malhouitre, President of Runnymede Farm; Ronald W. Mack, Lexington businessman and founder of Legacy Equine Academy; Brutus Clay, Chairman and CEO of Runnymede Farm; and Jay Ingle, an equine attorney with Jackson Kelly PLLC in Lexington, Kentucky.
To learn more about As One Racing, visit www.asoneracing.com.
