Boundless Ambition: Katelyn Morgan on Rising to the Top in Horse Racing
Start at the Foundation
Katelyn didn’t grow up with a racing family, but she discovered her love for horses early. From age eight through her teens, she spent countless hours at barns, learning the discipline of horsemanship while working for her lessons.
“I had to work to ride,” she recalls. “It taught me so much about patience, responsibility, and dedication.”
This early groundwork—handling horses, understanding their personalities, and seeing the intricacies of daily barn life—gave her a solid foundation that she would carry into her professional career.
Education Meets Passion
After community college, Katelyn transferred to the University of Kentucky, where she majored in equine science. While studying, she balanced her education with hands-on work in the thoroughbred industry, showing that formal education and practical experience go hand-in-hand.
“College gave me a foundation, taught me organization, and opened doors through networking,” she says. “But finding your passion is where it all comes together.”
Her story highlights a key lesson for young equestrians: you don’t have to be born into the industry to become a leader. Education, paired with a proactive approach, can launch you toward top opportunities in horse racing.
Learning from the Best
Katelyn’s journey at Darley and Godolphin involved rotating through multiple departments—from yearlings and broodmares to rehoming and sales—learning the full spectrum of horse care and management. She also trained under the legendary Johnny Burke, gaining insights into rehabilitation and the careful nurturing of elite racehorses.
“I’ve learned the most from watching and working with people who’ve dedicated their lives to the sport,” she reflects. “Every department taught me something new and gave me a perspective I couldn’t get from a single role.”
Team Blue and Global Opportunities
Part of Katelyn’s success comes from embracing Team Blue, the culture at Godolphin that emphasizes respect, collaboration, and shared goals. Her experience illustrates how a supportive team can elevate not only performance but also personal growth.
She even traveled to Australia to experience international operations, learning firsthand how top thoroughbred programs operate worldwide.
“Respect for your colleagues and for the horses starts at the top,” she says. “It trickles down and shapes everything we do.”
Giving Back: Rehoming and Second Careers
One of Katelyn’s deepest passions is aftercare for thoroughbreds. She oversees the retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses, giving them the opportunity to thrive in second careers.
“Seeing a horse go from track life to a new, happy home—it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It reminds me why I love this industry and why every role, big or small, matters.”
Advice for Young Professionals
Katelyn’s path to top-level positions in horse racing was never handed to her—she built it with hard work, persistence, and courage. Her advice to young people:
Work hard and put yourself out there. Opportunities often require persistence and initiative.
Start at the foundation. Learn every role, no matter how small, to understand the bigger picture.
Seek mentorship. Most leaders in the industry want to help the next generation succeed.
“Don’t wait for the perfect chance. Make your own path,” she emphasizes.
From Kentucky to the Winner’s Circle
Katelyn has been part of historic wins, including Darley’s 2025 memorable wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and countless more. From photographing yearlings to celebrating in the winner’s circle, she has seen how teamwork, attention to detail, and passion combine to create excellence.
“I might have a small role, but being part of the team and seeing the horses succeed—it’s indescribable,” she says.
Katelyn Morgan’s story is proof that with education, dedication, and a willingness to start at the ground level, anyone can rise to the top. Her journey inspires aspiring equestrians and visionaries to pursue their dreams, embrace every opportunity, and never underestimate the impact of persistence, teamwork, and passion—truly a Boundless example for all.
