When Erin McLaughlin graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in tourism and hospitality management and a minor in communications, there were many different directions she could have taken.
But when a job offer came along after graduating in 2013 at Breeders’ Cup Ltd., where she had interned during her studies, it was a fortuitous turn of events. McLaughlin grew up in the thoroughbred racing industry as the daughter of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who is now a jockey agent for John Velazquez and Luis Saez. She loved horses and the racing community, so to be able to combine that enthusiasm with her keen interest in hospitality was kismet.
McLaughlin, 34, is working his way up the ranks at the Breeders’ Cup and is currently senior director of racing and rider relations working in the company’s Lexington office.
Her answers have been edited for clarity and space.
Blood Horse: When you went to university and got your degree in hospitality and tourism, was it your plan to combine that with racing?
Erin McLaughlin: I guess I wasn’t sure at the time. I had to do a full-time internship while in college, and everyone around me in Florida was taking the more traditional route of a hotel or Disney World, and I tried to think outside the box. I had just been to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park and I thought, this is perfect because it combines my two passions, hospitality and horse racing. I contacted Dora Delgado [Breeders’ Cup’s executive vice president and chief racing officer] and asked if they were hiring interns. Luckily for me, they did, and the rest is history.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted a career in racing after graduation. My father never forced me and my brother Ryan to follow in his footsteps and work on the track. I remember calling my mother [Letty] when I was first offered a full-time job at the Breeders’ Cup. I told her, I wasn’t sure, and she said, “Why not take this?” I hadn’t really thought about what I would do, but I’m so glad I took the job.
Blood Horse: What is a snapshot of some of your rider relations duties for the Breeders’ Cup, both during the year and at the event itself?
McLaughlin: I handle all hotel bookings, not only for race participants, but also for media, sponsors, betting challenge players, board members, staff and guests. I oversee the on-site hospitality lounges at the hotels by staffing them and taking care of food, beverage, and (audiovisual) needs.
On the actual event days during the Breeders’ Cup I am in the paddock. I’m there to make sure there are no problems. When I see a trainer who doesn’t have this [credential]I make sure they have no problem getting in.
Blood Horse: You had an interesting childhood, because you went to school in Dubai for part of the year for ten years, while your father trained there for Sheikh Mohammed in the winter.
McLaughlin: Dubai was the experience of a lifetime: the opportunity to travel the world and learn so much through horse racing. I don’t think people realize that racing can open up so many opportunities and doors for you. I am so grateful for that. My brother and I were so young: we stopped somewhere in Amsterdam or Switzerland on the way, because it was such a long flight. My brother doesn’t remember it very well, but I was a bit older, so I remember having to do all that, which was a lot of fun.
I was three years old and I continued to travel back and forth for six months until I was thirteen. I went to the American School of Dubai there. I split school time between Dubai and New York, so that was a bit difficult.
Blood Horse: Even before your Breeders’ Cup career, you probably have some fond memories of the World Championships, especially the years when your father won races with Invasor [2006 Classic] and Lahudood [2007 Filly and Mare Turf]?
McLaughlin: Invasor was probably the most special. But I also remember that same day my father was managing Henny Hughes [Sprint]. We were really looking forward to Henny Hughes and thought he had a great opportunity but things didn’t go well [finishing 14th as the favorite after stumbling at the start]. I remember we were disappointed. We obviously liked Invasor, but he wasn’t the favorite, so there wasn’t much pressure. Then he shocked us all and won. It was a great experience.
Actually, that year was pretty crazy. I was playing basketball at the time and we had a game a day or two before traveling to Kentucky. I remember my mom saying, “I don’t think you should play this game. What if you end up getting hurt or something?” And I thought, “I’m not going to get hurt.” Lo and behold, I broke my nose in that game and I stood in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs with a huge, swollen nose.
When Dad won the Dirt Mile at Santa Anita with Tamarkuz in 2016, I was working, so that was a pretty fun experience for me.
Blood Horse: How did your parents influence your work ethic?
McLaughlin: My father always said that you should enjoy what you do and that it should not feel like work. I think that’s what he always made me believe: pursue something you’re passionate about, because that’s very important. My parents instilled in me the importance of building relationships, learning from others, and being willing to put in the work while letting your passion guide you. They also told my brother and me that we should treat others as we would like to be treated, and that integrity and respect for everyone are also super important.
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