University of Kentucky (UK) equine science and management and animal sciences junior Julianna Witt is the first recipient of The Jockey Club Scholarship.

The Jockey Club Scholarship, which will cover Witt’s 2017-18 academic year of studies, provides $15,000 ($7,500 per semester) to a student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher at any university and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Witt plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degrees and a minor in agricultural economics in 2019 from the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. A member of the Lewis Honors College and a Chellgren Fellow, Witt’s undergraduate research project explores the relationship between broodmare value, stud fee input, and resulting return on investment. Her research mentor is Jill Stowe, PhD, associate professor of agricultural economics.

Off campus, Witt has worked on numerous farms preparing horses for sales and working the sales, as well as spending time as a mare and foal groom. She also volunteers with Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. Witt is committed to working in the Thoroughbred industry and is considering applying for the Godolphin Flying Start program, working at the Irish National Stud, or pursuing a master’s degree in equine reproduction after getting her undergraduate degree. This summer she is interning at BloodHorse