Discover the Origins of Our Sporty Affection
Growing Up Close to the Action
Travis White grew up in Louisville, just a stone's throw away from Churchill Downs. His earliest connection to racing was through attending Derby parties in the area. His father's friend was a horseplayer, which sparked an interest in the gambling aspect. At a young age, it was the handicapping and gambling that initially drew him in, with the Kentucky Derby being the main allure.These early experiences laid the foundation for his future in the sport. The excitement and anticipation of the Derby parties became a part of his life, setting the stage for his eventual involvement in the horse racing world.
As he grew older, his connection to the sport deepened. The allure of the horses, the thrill of the races, and the sense of community surrounding the sport became more and more captivating.
Volunteering at Buck Pond Farm
Travis started out by volunteering at [Doug Arnold’s] Buck Pond Farm. It was through a connection at college that he was introduced to Doug Arnold. A friend of his from college, who owned Court Sports in Lexington, had kids who went to school with Doug Arnold's kids. This chance introduction led him to start volunteering at the farm.He had moved to Missouri for a job before returning to Lexington. During his time in college athletics administration, he always had a desire to get into the horse business. Volunteering at Buck Pond Farm gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in the world he was passionate about.
Things started to fall into place for Travis at the farm. He worked with young stallions that showed promise and were sold successfully. This led to him being brought on full time by Doug Arnold. Later, he applied for a job at TDN or BloodHorse for a stallion manager position at Taylor Made and was fortunate enough to land the job.
A Family Affair (or Not)
Travis is the only person in his family involved in racing. He has tried to explain his work to them multiple times, but they don't fully understand. His brother, in particular, couldn't care less about the sport.This shows the unique path that Travis has taken in the racing world. While his family may not share his passion, he has found a home and a community within the sport.
Despite the lack of family support, Travis is grateful for the opportunities he has had. He works with the Taylor family, who he describes as great people to work with. He has learned a lot from them and is appreciative of their support and guidance.