A former jockey, trainer and exercise rider, Amanda Roxborough, is the driving force behind Kylar Productions, a company that offers a variety of production services including DVD marketing for sales and promotions, web videos, training videos, stallion videos, farm videos, clinic videos and the “Race Day Experience,” which provides horse owners the opportunity to document a special event.
Recently, Roxborough (the 2014 recipient of the Darley Award for TV Presenter) teamed with a fellow former jockey, Francine Villeneuve, who won 1,000 career races, to create Sport of Queens, a racing syndicate that offers aspiring thoroughbred owners a lost-cost opportunity to get into the game.
How did you come up with the idea for Sport of Queens (SOQR, www.sportofqueensracing.com)?
Francine and I have wanted to do something like this together. She called me and said she had put a few option ideas together and we were off and running from that day. She wanted to make it super affordable, hence the $200/share of our first option, allowing anyone from her mother’s book club members to an avid racing fan, the chance to get a piece of the action. The low-cost investment is not out of reach for most and is a no-risk solution to horse ownership.
Why do you think it will be a success?
We are thrilled that SOQR has been well received and that people are getting excited about it. I have been around many syndicate and partnership groups here in the States, from higher monetary investments to the low-cost options and they are all thriving at the different levels. I believe that spreading the initial and monthly costs among a group of owners has been instrumental in the growth of horse racing. We are looking forward to offering it in Ontario and we want to have a positive impact on opening up the pathway into horse ownership. It’s very important to us to offer the best experience to our members and build a valued and top-class group. Francine and I have a good reputation for our work ethics and trust and we are committed to creating an experience of a lifetime and providing them with top-class professionalism and horsemanship, racing education and communication.
You bring a wealth of horse racing knowledge to this endeavour. What in particular has helped you shape the vision for Sport of Queens?
My roots in racing began in the early 80’s and I was very blessed to land in Art Warner’s barn and have his mentorship in my career. His barn was filled with some of the best horses at Woodbine and Mr. Warner taught me my foundation of horsemanship and a chance to ride some really good horses. I think I want to bring the high level of integrity that he taught me to our new group. Having experience as a jockey, trainer and exercise rider in Canada, US, Australia and Dubai is invaluable to creating the vision for SOQR as we grow. In my current role in TV media and production, I have produced features and marketing within the racing industry and as our Racing Manager, I’m passionate to bring a visual and practical experience to developing the new group of owners in the industry. It’s so important to educate and teach the foundation of the sport and the importance of the horse, as well as get them involved and understanding the dedication and work that goes on behind the scenes.
Talk about Francine and how invaluable her contributions are to this.
She’s a dedicated professional who loves her horses and works tirelessly to ensure their welfare. Her experience and success as a jockey is a bonus to her level of understanding all types of horses and the sport as a whole.
What are some of the reactions you’ve had to the club so far?
People are so excited to own a horse! We want everyone to be equal in their feeling of being a part of the group. I send them a certificate of ownership and I think they are starting to get the buzz of entering into the racing environment. I’ve had emails from our social media sites, from people who have owned horses before, to people who have dreamed about owning a horse but could never afford one. It’s really special for us to offer them this chance.
Why do you think a venture like this resonates with people?
Horse racing is exciting! People are always intrigued when you tell them you work in horse racing or rode as a jockey. They always want to engage and ask questions and know more. It’s that curiosity and spark that people would love to experience and SOQR is a chance for people to gain access to the inside track. We offer them a chance to be a member of an elite sport and many find it hard to break into it or just don’t know how.
Francine has had many folks she has just met, out and about, that hear about it and buy a share and then tell their friends and family. I really believe that it is the “club” atmosphere and belonging to a group that is appealing to people.
What are you most proud of when it comes to Sport of Queens?
Francine and I are both people who love horses, racing and to have fun. We have also been hard-working within the industry and I think we have earned the respect of our peers with that dedication and our positive attitudes. We will strive to purchase the best horses with each option funds and we really want to make a difference in the sport and see it flourish. We want SOQR to be known for it’s integrity and honesty and we will be proud to have made a positive impact to the sport we love.
Talk about the other aspects of the club and what members can expect.
Our website and social media will be a platform for our members to stay informed with the weekly newsletters, updates on their horses with “Trainers notes” and photos. Our members will get an all-access pass, including visiting the barns, watching their horse train, meeting jockeys, watching your horse being saddled in the paddock prior to their races, enjoy watching races from an owner’s box, having their photo taken in the winner’s circle and a possibility of earning purse money. SOQR members will meet great people and attend special monthly functions planned to entertain and enlighten all our members.
What other events do you have planned, or are considering?
Our first meeting is Opening Day April 9 at Woodbine where our first guest speaker will be (Woodbine historian) Tom Cosgrove who will give a talk on the history of the sport. We will have a celebrity guest at each event and make it a fun and help each owner learn a little more about horses and racing each month. We will be changing the location each month depending on the special guest. We do have members in Fort Erie, Niagara, the US as well as Toronto, so we will host events in different locations. The focus will be on the members. They are guaranteed to learn something and meet people they might never have had a chance to before they joined SOQR.
