RACING administrators around the world are confronted with the matter of youthful involvement – how to foster a love for the game among teenagers, youngsters – to ensure industry growth.

Perhaps they should be consulting with 13-year-old Madison Moran ( “Madi” to her family and friends), from Poughquag, New York, who describes herself as someone completely “obsessed” with horseracing.

Madi Moran: “Racing inspires young and old!”

Madi runs her own racing blog, www.thefinalstrides.weebly.com, on which she’s started exploring the wonderful world of racehorses and the ever-alluring Sport Of Kings, just recently dedicated to the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Her favourite runner happens to be Mike de Kock’s three-year-old, Mubtaahij.

Madi lives near the racetracks at Belmont Park and Aqueduct, a little further from Saratoga and she tells: “I go to the track once or twice a year and always watch the US Triple Crown races. While I love many racehorses my two special favorites are El Kabeir (owned by Zayat stables) and Mubtaahij, who is my Derby horse this year. I attended the Belmont Stakes once in 2013, but no other triple crown races so far.

“I have been into horse racing since I was younger. It all started in 2008 when Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby. It wasn’t really until 2009, that I really got involved. I became instantly obsessed. I am a self-taught student of thoroughbred lineage and a passionate photographer. I enjoy taking photos of horses.”

Why did Madi fall in love with the game?

“I love horse racing because it’s for fans of any age to love, young or older. It also inspires many people with the underdog and long shot stories. Horse racing is a large passion of mine and I hope as I grow older I will be able to get a job in the industry.

“For my blog, i do a horse spotlight which means I talk to many owners and trainers, I have met so many nice people in this industry. Every single one has taken time to respond and answer all of my questions, some even read the published product!

“It makes me happy that so many people care about this sport and the fans and amazing athletes in it! I always feel a part of my two favourite horse’s training teams because of the nice, kind people that I communicate with!”

We thank Madi for her support of Mubtaahij and wish her all the best for a bright future in horseracing. Follow her on Instagram, @madimoran_.