Annise Montplaisir is determined to inspire the next generation to get involved in the horse racing industry.

"We try to give people touch point experiences or introductory experiences into the racing industry to showcase all the different careers and pathways to get involved," said Montplaisir.

As the founder of Amplify Horse Racing, Montplaisir collaborated with the New York Racing Association, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame this summer, leading an Experience Saratoga tour for teenagers and young adults to experience all facets of the industry.

When Montplaisir was a kid, she fell in love with horses. She wore all different hats in a variety of different internships, but she says there was never a clear path.

So she used her experience to create the non-profit Amplify Horse Racing in 2019, promoting education, mentorship and career opportunities for young adults interested in the industry.

"The thoroughbred industry has an aging fan base, especially when you look at TV viewership and so we really need to start looking at what we're doing to recruit and engage the next generation," Montplaisir said.

On the all-day behind-the-scenes educational tour, participants watch morning trainings, hear from racing professionals, attend the races, and learn about potential career paths.

Montplaisir says getting young people involved in the industry is critical for preserving the sport and modernizing it with fresh ideas.

"I want them, at the very highest level, to feel really enthused about getting more involved in the industry whether that's on a deeper level as a fan or maybe an interest in becoming an owner," said Montplaisir. "On the most basic level, I want them to just have a better understanding of the sport and a positive perception and just understanding all the people that it takes to get a race horse to the track on any given race day."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been corrected to correctly spell Annise Montplaisir's last name.