The Jockey Club has awarded five academic scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, supporting students pursuing careers in various sectors of the Thoroughbred racing industry.
Lauren Maas has received The Jockey Club Scholarship, valued at $7,500 per semester. The award targets students on academic paths toward equine industry employment. Maas completed her Master of Science in Animal Biology from UC-Davis with research on “Arrhythmogenesis and Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses.” She currently attends veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College in London and intends to return to the United States after graduation to work as a racetrack veterinarian.
Sophia Vega has been awarded The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship, which provides $10,000 per semester. Vega is expected to graduate from the University of Kentucky in spring 2026 with a degree in Animal Science/Pre-Vet with an equine emphasis.
“My goal is to become an equine veterinarian specializing in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery,” said Vega.
She currently works as a nursing technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and holds positions as an Ed Brown Society Scholar and scholarship recipient. Vega recently completed a groundbreaking internship with Keeneland’s Department of Equine Safety and Compliance under Dr. Stuart Brown and Kassie Creed.
The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship, providing $10,000 per semester to an undergraduate student from a minority racial or ethnic group, has been awarded to Giovanni Ricardo. Ricardo studies Finance and Marketing at the University of Kentucky with an anticipated graduation in May 2026. As a current Ed Brown Society Scholar and Keeneland Ambassador, Ricardo aims to modernize marketing strategies within Thoroughbred racing and collaborate with organizations focused on the industry’s long-term growth.
Xochilt Solorio has received The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship, which provides $7,500 per semester in needs-based assistance with preference given to backstretch and horse farm employees and their family members. Solorio studies Civil Engineering with a transportation focus at Northeastern University. Her parents work at Belmont Park — her father as a day walker and groom, and her mother as a hot walker.
The Jockey Club Jack Goodman Scholarship, valued at $3,000 per semester and open to students enrolled in the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program, has been awarded to Nathan Klein. Klein anticipates graduating from RTIP in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. He currently works as a race caller at TSG Global Wagering Solutions LLC while also participating as a member of the University of Arizona equestrian team. Klein’s professional goal is to become a racetrack announcer.
