Matt Scull was not born in horse races, but like so many racing fans it was probably always in his blood, in this case thanks to his great -grandfather “Poppie”. Van Reunies on the circuit during his youth to understand the nuances of bet to travel with friends to our Triple Crown races, he became an avid fan of the sport.
After he graduated from Clemson University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Scull was motivated to be part of the industry and to contact Strengthen horse races To find out more about being mentoring program. Amplify connects young adults with a mentor experienced thoroughbred industrial professional-for a three-month program in the spring or autumn designed to develop important skills, to learn the thoroughbred industry, build relationships and gain valuable experience. Scull was linked to Shannon Castagnola, who at the time worked for Woodford Thoroughbreds as Director of Marketing and Customer Relations and now director of sales and stallion seasons at Airdrie Stud. Scull said it helped to shape his path in the sport.
Scull, together with friends Brian Mills and Nick Demartino, work now First Rodeo RacingA partnership inspired by a shared love for the racing races of the racing track and rages-to-rich racing stories such as 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike. Scull talked to the best racing in America about his unusual path to the thoroughbred industry and the vision of his team on a ‘modern partnership’.
America’s best racing: How did you become interested in horse races?
Matt scull: My family held an annual reunion in Monmouth Park in honor of my great -grandfather ‘Poppie’, who loved racing. Every year I became more interested by our “Poppie Day at the Races.”
ABL: What are some things from the sport that are really connected to you?
Wicked: In the beginning it was the sensation of picking winners. I have always loved statistics and data, so when I found [Andy] Beyer’s books while working near Monmouth On a summer I was addicted. Sharing picks and planning Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Haskell Trips with friends became a favorite hobby.
ABL: How did you learn about Amplify Horse Racing’s Mentoring program After you graduated from the university?
Wicked: I saw a message about it on X (then Twitter). If the memory serves, it was actually shared by ABR – so this is quite complete circle.
ABL: What was the experience with Amplify and what did you learn from the program and your mentor, Shannon Castagnola?
Wicked: The experience was really changing for life, and I will always be grateful for some reinforcement and Shannon offered me. They gave me the confidence to get off the sidelines and to become an active participant in the sport that I loved. The biggest collection meal was realizing how accessible horse races is really – the accession threshold is much lower than most people think. If you have the passion and willingness, you can absolutely find your place in this game.
ABL: I read those trips to Saratoga Race Course and Keeneland for the September sale, really helped to strengthen your interest in being immersed in sport. What was it about those journeys that came to your home?
Wicked: The love of the horse. I already appreciated thoroughbreders, but behind the scenes on the track and the sale brought it to a different level. We are lucky that we are stewards of the breed and the sport.
ABL: What did your family think when you told them you took a job with horses in Ocala, Fla., After studying mechanical engineering at Clemson?
Wicked: In the beginning my parents thought I was crazy, but they supported me and encouraged me to cover my bets by retaining my technical role. Those practical months were really invaluable. My entire extensive family supported me during this trip. I really hit the lottery with the people with whom I share blood.
ABL: You put your technical degree at work, but it sounds like you were bitten by the racing bug. Tell us a bit about the inspiration for First Rodeo Racing, the name and your team?
Wicked: Our mission is to inspire the next generation of owners and players – people from looking at three races a year to be to the “Race Expert” at the water cooler in the office. Property must feel accessible, transparent and fun.
We are similar to other MicroShare groups, but more personal and focused on a younger audience.
The name reflects our mission: chasing scoops. Many partners buy in their first horse, and we want them to know it is OK if it is their “first rodeo”. Of course we first first hurry up at the finish.
Brian Mills, one of my best friends since high school, leads our content and merchandus. Nick Demartino joined this year to help in the northeast. We met a few years ago at the travers and soon became good friends … One of the many lifelong friends met through the sport.
Our most important trainer, Thomas Molloy, has been much more than a conditioner; He trained our first winner, helped us to scale us and serves as an important adviser. Conor Foley from Oracle Bloodstock has also been an unofficial mentor since my Amplify days. He selects our non -arranged prospects and is always generous with his time and knowledge.
There is a laundry list of people who have borrowed a hand, which is something that is important for those who are new to the sport to understand – nine out of 10 people in this sport are willing to help.
ABL: There is a good amount of educational material on the first Rodeo website, how important is it to train potential partners?
Wicked: It’s central. Education and introductions are what we are about, and we offer even more sources through the app that we use to update partners.
We recently entered into a partnership with Next Gen Thoroughbreds. They strive to inspire the next generation of thoroughbred workers. This is of course with many opportunities for education, so we combine resources to help strengthen our signal.
ABL: What is your vision in the short and long term for First Rodeo?
Wicked: Short term: keep chasing, on and next to the job. Our focus is on improving the quality of our runners, while the partnership is growing in a sustainable way, so that each member gets a real experience experience. Every year we open new places, giving more people the opportunity to say they have a running horse.
Seeing first owners on the circuit with their horse is always the most rewarding part. We had partners whose very first trip came to a race track on a day when they had part of a runner, and that is precisely the kind of experience we make here.
Long-term: at the end of October we are organizing a selection event in Lexington that is designed to give new fans and owners who give hands-on magic moment. It offers the possibility to be close with the horses, trainers and the community that makes racing so special. In five years I see first Rodeo organization interactive events nationwide, creating contact points that make racing more approachable than ever.
My ultimate vision is that First Rodeo is both a racestable and a lifestyle brand with media, merches and property experiences that build a permanent community. I want us to help feed a Renaissance in the American horse races. Renpaard’s ownership is the best kept secret in sport, but that should not be.
ABL: Are there people in the horse racing industry that stand out that you really admire?
Wicked: There are many people in this sport that I admire, but in particular three stand out when it comes to building and running successful racing stables: Jeff Boschwitz, Jon Green and Chamberlin.
Jeff Boschwitz is running Playthefield Racing And has managed something remarkable – 50 victories in five years without losing money. His disciplined, analytical approach is one that I tried to model in my own decision -making. Moreover, he has been generous with his time and shared insights that have been incredibly valuable to me.
Jon Green from DJ Stable is someone I followed closely by his podcasts. I have an episode of “not missed”Railway talk’And I pay special attention when he discusses the strategy behind campaign that runs the many large horses to wear the DJ -stable side. Listening to him was like a constant master class in stable management.
And then there is Chamberlin Commonwealth Thoroughbreds. To build a platform that not only opened the door to new owners, but also went completely to win the Kentucky Derby with Mage. That is a huge inspiration! Their surf and community-first approach is models that we have drawn a lot of energy and ideas from here at First Rodeo.
ABL: Do you have a favorite race track?
Wicked: A year ago I would say Saratoga. Now it’s Keeneland. Saratoga is my favorite as a fan, but Keeneland determines the gold standard for hospitality and gives our partners a first -class experience.
ABL: Who is your favorite thoroughbred of all time?
Wicked: Mitole. His 2019 with Mile is etched in my memory. I was in Belmont with university friends and he was my top choice of the day. McKinzie has had a tough journey, but I don’t think he could ever make ends up … Look at the canter.
ABL: What are some of the things you feel like the sport can and should do better?
Wicked: I often treat this on “First Rodeo Radio’What I ask for guests for ideas to push the sport forward. My biggest point would be to meet people where they are. Racing must sit next to mainstream gambling options such as NFL-Rekisites. You should be able to show ‘Horse in the 10th’ at Kentucky Downs to your always TD-Parlay. And past-performance data must be more accessible. Directly Made available for free and launched on the large racing days.
ABL: What are your interests outside racing? I have read that you are an avid sport fans, what are your favorite teams?
Wicked: I am a huge Clemson – football fan – hence the orange and purple side. I am also curious by nature and love to find out how things work, so my hobbies lean like that.
ABL: Is there a favorite non-Thoroughbred Racing Sports event that you have attended?
Wicked: Clemson’s National Championship 2017 in Tampa. I couldn’t afford a ticket as first -year students, but I was still trying to come in. I will keep that story for another day!
ABL: I was told that you are planning to attend Keeneland’s yearling sales. What is more exciting, cashing in a big winning ticket or signing a ticket to buy a racing horse?
Wicked: I will color a little outside the lines and say that I silver a big pick 5 with Brian and Nick. We have connected this to a number of nice scores
#Matt #Scull #Rodeo #Racing #strive #inspire #generation