As the Kentucky Derby approaches, the horse racing industry is increasingly vocal in urging President Donald Trump and Congress to expedite immigration reform. Business leaders gathered in Louisville recently, emphasizing the need for a legal pathway for immigrant workers who are essential to the equine sector. This gathering highlighted the significant role that immigrant labor plays in the industry, from caring for the horses to actively participating in the events themselves. Given the Derby’s prestigious status and its requirement for a comprehensive workforce, the conversation around immigration reform has gained momentum, underscoring its importance to the sport and the economy at large.
President Trump has voiced intentions to execute a mass deportation operation, which raises concern about the repercussions for sectors reliant on immigrant employees. The policy prompts questions about its potential economic impacts, especially in industries such as agriculture and hospitality, where many undocumented workers find employment. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump suggested that undocumented immigrants in such sectors could voluntarily return to their home countries and re-enter the U.S. legally, provided their employers support them with documentation. This statement has brought attention to the dire need for an immigration system that allows a steady flow of vital labor in the horse racing industry.
Immigrant labor’s centrality to the Kentucky Derby cannot be overstated. According to Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), workers like hot walkers, groomers, and exercise riders are indispensable to the operation of the event. The equine industry, contributing an impressive $177 billion to the U.S. economy, fundamentally relies on the skills and dedication of these workers. Dale Romans, a prominent figure in the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, emphasized that without the proper workforce, horses simply cannot compete. A staggering 78% of backstretch workers are immigrants, making their role critical for the sustainability of the sport.
Current estimates warn that the implementation of a mass removal policy could result in a substantial economic burden, with projected one-time costs reaching $315 billion and ongoing annual costs up to $88 billion. With the Kentucky Derby expected to attract around 150,000 attendees, concerns surrounding worker availability and operational capacity are paramount. Oscar Gonzales, vice chairman of the California Horse Racing Board, highlighted the significance of the Derby, viewing it as a symbol of the industry’s hard work and preparation. He stressed the importance of commonsense immigration reform to safeguard the livelihoods of horse trainers and the industry as a whole.
Statistics reveal that Latinos and immigrants comprise a noteworthy portion of the workforce, encompassing 78% of backstretch workers and 70% of jockeys in the equine sector. The agricultural industry, which shares many of its workforce needs with horse racing, similarly relies heavily on immigrant labor, with 72% of its workers coming from this demographic. Joe Stave, General Manager of Monterey Mushrooms, noted that streamlining immigration processes for agricultural workers is increasingly essential for industry viability, calling on Congress to enact tangible reforms rather than merely discussing the issue.
As the Derby day approaches, the chorus of voices advocating for immigration reform continues to grow louder. Leaders from the horse racing community and beyond are aligning with the notion that a modernized immigration system is not just beneficial but crucial for ensuring the continued success of the Kentucky Derby and the larger equine industry. With the event scheduled for May 3, stakeholders are eager to see whether Congress will prioritize these initiatives, and the outcome may serve as a litmus test for broader immigration policy discussions in the coming months.
