At the oldest continuously running greyhound track in the united states and the Birthplace of the Racinos, a teen named Mac Davis is changing how we view this once old-fashioned sport. Mac is the CEO and Founder of Mac Davis Thoroughbreds, a company he started intending to expand horse racing to the youth and younger public. "Well, I started Mac Davis Thoroughbreds because I want to change the game and the sport. Being the youngest racehorse owner is something that has many strengths and challenges. Still, the community behind me gives tremendous support," said Mac when we spoke to him before a night of racing action at Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, Queens. But, his love for the sport of Thoroughbred Racing wasn't always there. Instead, he found his path to the sport through his family and an accidental trip that was one of the greatest gifts he'll ever have.
"I started off watching greyhound racing, not Horse Racing, when I was a little kid with my grandma at the oldest continuously running track in America, Derby Lane." Before Florida banned live greyhound racing in the United States, Derby Lane was the premier track for the sport and was dubbed the birthplace of the racino industry. "Derby Lane was one of the best places for racing and wagering. It was always fun to see the greyhounds run around the track in the nice Florida breeze." However, Mac left St Petersburg with his family when he was 13 and moved to New York City. "I was definitely not happy about the move as I loved it down in the great state of Florida, but the opportunity that I have gotten here a like no other."
Following his family's move to New York City, Mac didn't fall in love with horse racing. So instead, he started to work in Minor league baseball, where he started up his own media group, MiLB Hub, with fellow friend Jack Newman. "The New York City Metropolitan area is one of the most diverse areas for sports and has 10+ minor league baseball teams, which is why I found my real passion for the sport." Mac worked alongside his team of photographers and writers, working on expanding minor-league baseball coverage. Still, he left the company at the start of the year to focus on Horse Racing. "Minor league baseball allowed me to build the skills needed to work in the sports realm, and it was incredible to see just how many teams were willing to work with us to achieve that goal of expanding coverage in semi-pro baseball."
Mac entered the horse racing world as a reporter when he landed a job with a start-up sports writing website providing stakes previews and general horse racing news. "It was funny to see me, a 15-year-old, writing about horse racing and betting. It's not something you see every day." Nevertheless, Mac continued to work in the reporting side of it, gathering up "lifetime" connections and making a small name known for himself in the horse racing industry. "I think reporting on horses before moving over to the ownership side helped build my career. I had many connections and interviewed them, gathering the knowledge needed for a city boy to get his foot through the door in the racing world."
So Mac changed his role again as he left his reporting job for a much diffrent role, one that had him in the winner's circle celebrating instead of reporting. Mac started owning and co-owning horses, something that changed his career forever. "It was kind of a life-changing experience," he said when speaking to us, "when I got that first welcome package in the mail from the breeder, it clicked in my brain, saying this is what I want to do." Mac builds his own company, Mac Davis Thoroughbreds, making him the youngest horse racing owner in the world right now. "It's a cool title to have, but I have to thank hundreds of people who supported me through this journey."
Mac says he has high hopes for his company and racing team this coming season as he has partnered with West Point Thoroughbreds, the owners of Breeders Cup Champion Flightline, and many other syndicates throughout the united states. "I think Mac Davis Thoroughbreds has a strong group of runners this upcoming season, and I'm hoping to find myself back in the winner's circle in tracks across the world. However, even if I'm not, I'm still thankful to be able to be in such a fun and exciting sport like horse racing."
Mac pictured with his mom at the Belmont Stakes
Mac with his mom at the 2022 Travers Stakes
