Dora Delgado with husband Frank (Courtesy of Dora Delgado)
Breeders’ Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer Dora Delgado is one of the most accomplished racing executives you’ll meet. Her tenure of about 40 years with the Breeders’ Cup speaks for itself and goes towards her dedication, commitment, loyalty, and love for the horses and the sport. Dora is one of the main reasons The Breeders’ Cup went from shall we say The Super Bowl or World Series of Horse Racing to a world class and recognized major sporting event.
With Dora’s titles comes a world of responsibilities at the highest level of the sport. To quote The Breeders’ Cup website description of her duties:
“She is primarily responsible for the development and administration of the Breeders’ Cup’s racing programs around the world including the Win and You’re In Challenge Series and thoroughbred racing’s greatest global event, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. She is also responsible for the promotion and expansion of the foal and stallion nomination programs worldwide to maximize participation and generate program sustaining revenue.
In her role, Dora manages the event Equine Security Team, the Breeders’ Cup Veterinary Panel, the Field Selection Panel, the Breeders’ Cup Racing team and works with the host track and its staff to create the safest and most secure environment possible for the equine participants. She is also responsible for all horse recruitment, equine event logistics and operational setup for the annual World Championships including communications with all federal, state and international regulatory authorities and works with the host state racing commission to ensure that any necessary waivers, rules and regulations are in place.”
That is a 24/7 role and year round as are many careers and positions within our industry. Dora frankly takes us behind the scenes with what it takes and involves to make this world championship event happen smoothly. We relive some moments and explore where the Breeders’ Cup has been and where it is going. We were fortunate to have Dora on the show and we can all get more than a glimpse into the Breeders’ Cup.
