James Gagliano: “South America is an incredible partner for racing in the United States and worldwide"

The COO of the Jockey Club will travel to Rio de Janeiro to attend the Gran Premio Latinoamericano and spoke exclusively with Objetivo Latino, for Global Media Turf, about the current state and future of the industry

James Gagliano, COO of the Jockey Club of the United States / JC

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Just days away from traveling to Brazil to witness another edition of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, James Gagliano, President and COO of the Jockey Club of the United States, spoke with Objetivo Latino, for Global Media Turf. In his usual cordial manner, Gagliano expressed his excitement for this Saturday’s event at the Hipódromo da Gávea and highlighted the quality of South American racing.

“I’m very excited about Rio,” he said. “I can’t wait to reconnect with many friends from South America and around the world. It will be fantastic to be at such a beautiful racetrack in such a wonderful city.”

Asked about how U.S. racing views the South American scene, Gagliano was emphatic:

“It’s seen very positively. South America is an incredible commercial partner for North America and the rest of the world. The professionals, breeders, and owners are among the best on the planet. They’ve produced legendary horses in the United States, like Invasor (Candy Ride), Candy Ride (Ride the Rails), and Paseana (Ahmad).”

The Jockey Club chief then reviewed the state of the industry in the United States:

“There are many positives. The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) now regulates much of the integrity and safety standards, and racetracks are investing in modernization. Churchill Downs has completed a fabulous renovation; Keeneland is expanding its facilities; Pimlico is being rebuilt, and in a year we’ll have a completely new Belmont Park.”

He also highlighted the growing media reach of racing:

“There has been enormous investment in television. Racing broadcasts have multiplied and now reach more fans than ever. There are highs and lows, but I prefer to focus on the positives,” he said optimistically.

Gagliano acknowledged that the decline in Thoroughbred foal crops remains closely monitored:

“It’s always a concern, of course. Fewer horses mean fewer races, which affects the economic cycle of racing. Still, these are market adjustments; there was a drop of about 300 foals compared to last year, and we are working to improve that trend.”

With nearly four decades in the industry, he also spoke about efforts to attract new generations:

“It’s not a sport that immediately appeals to young people. They become familiar, visit the tracks, and as adults, they turn into committed fans. America’s Best Racing, a marketing program funded by The Jockey Club, is designed specifically to engage young fans through social media and major events.”

On technological advances, he emphasized the role of data in decision-making:

“We have some of the best databases in the world for results and pedigrees. Artificial intelligence will be key to processing that information and drawing conclusions that improve safety, integrity, and the popularity of racing.”

Before concluding, Gagliano shared his excitement about his upcoming experience in Brazil:

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Hipódromo da Gávea. I love its architecture and surroundings. But what excites me most is the passion of the owners for this competition; I’m always amazed by how enthusiastic they are to take part in such a prestigious international event.”

With that shared passion as a common ground, the COO’s visit to the Gran Premio Latinoamericano promises to further strengthen ties between North and South American racing—a bridge that, as he put it, “can only bring benefits to all of us who love this sport.”