Hallandale Beach, FL (January 23, 2025) – In advance of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup, 1/ST and the Ed Brown Society are pleased to announce the extension of their initial three-year partnership to provide opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure, training and experience through internships and scholarships. In 2025, 1/ST will provide $50,000 in funding to cover all costs associated with the paid internship program enabling the Ed Brown Society to identify, recruit and place qualified students. Chosen interns are compensated with all housing and travel expenses covered as part of the program.

On Saturday at the Pegasus World Cup, the third race will be dedicated to the Ed Brown Society and will include a ceremonial moment in the winner’s circle to celebrate the renewed partnership joined by Ed Brown Society Scholars and Fellows, supporters and 1/ST executives.

Since 2022, 1/ST has contributed $150,000 in funding to support the placement of three cohorts of Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows. The Scholars and Fellows gain hands-on industry experience in collaboration with the 1/ST team, including engagement with senior leadership, across diverse operational and administrative functions at 1/ST’s venues in California, Florida and Maryland. Students receive ongoing direction from the Ed Brown Society as they progress toward the goal of permanent professional placements within the industry.

“Our partnership with 1/ST is very special to us because 1/ST was literally the first organization to buy in to our vision for broadening participation in the Thoroughbred industry!” said L. Clark Williams, President, Ed Brown Society.

In 2022, Charles Churchill and Deja Robinson were selected as the first Ed Brown Scholars. Proof of the success of this program, their experiences at 1/ST have led them to careers within the industry. Charles is now Project Manager at 1/ST and has just completed his MBA in Finance. Deja is pursuing her passion for veterinary medicine in her current role as a Nursing Staff Technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital on her way to becoming a veterinarian.

L. Clark Williams added, “We are especially proud of how that internship opportunity served as a springboard for Charles into his current role at 1/ST! We now have a total of 26 Scholars and Fellows in our program, and three Ed Brown Alumni; that would not be possible without the kind of industry leadership 1/ST continues to demonstrate in the continuation of this transformative partnership!”

Past 1/ST placed interns include Charles Churchill and Deja Robinson (2022), Zaharia Selman and Shaska Davis (2023), and Driade Freitas and Jonathan Seunarine (2024). The 2025 cohort will join the 1/ST team in the spring.

Quotes from past Ed Brown Fellows and Scholars

Charles Churchill, Ed Brown Fellow, 1/ST Intern (2022):

“My experience with the 1/ST Racing group was truly unparallelled, exposing me to familiar opportunities in a new, niche, and exciting environment. As an uncertain student, the internship with 1/ST allowed me a collective view of operations, invigorating my passion for assisting in the introduction and management of innovative solutions for our beloved sport. 1/ST is a company that champions a world-class product while constantly challenging itself to remain at the helm of innovation within the industry. As someone who was young and hungry for a growth opportunity, it was easy to see that 1/ST is where I wanted to be professionally.”

Deja Robinson, Ed Brown Fellow, 1/ST Internship (2022):

“Participating in the 1/ST internship offered an in-depth exploration of the Thoroughbred racing industry. I gained valuable insights into veterinary regulatory medicine, hospitality, horseman relations, marketing, aftercare efforts and parimutuel wagering. Collaborating with 1/ST teams across Florida, California and Maryland enriched my understanding of equine welfare and safety, aligning perfectly with my role as a Nursing Staff Technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and my pursuit of a career in Veterinary Medicine. Overall, this internship is an invaluable experience for anyone interested in the racing sector.”

Zaharia Selman, Ed Brown Fellow, 1/ST Intern (2023):

“The 1/ST internship, through the Ed Brown Society, was an eye-opening dive into unique aspects of the equine industry. The area that fascinated me the most was the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. As a second year PhD student at the University of Tennessee studying animal behavior, I aspire to continue pursuing my interest in the equine industry by being involved with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and continuing the connections that I formed during my time in the 1/ST internship.”

Driade Freitas, Ed Brown Fellow, 1/ST Intern (2024):

“My internship with 1/ST Racing was a pivotal experience that allowed me to gain hands-on insight into the Thoroughbred industry. I was deeply involved in the planning of high-profile racing events and worked closely with senior leadership on initiatives such as market analysis and product development. This opportunity not only exposed me to the inner workings of the industry but also strengthened my passion for strategic innovation and growth within horse racing.”

Jonathan Seunarine, Ed Brown Scholar, 1/ST Intern (2024):

"I was fortunate to connect with the Ed Brown Society after finding an internship posting on Handshake. Resulting from this connection I was accepted into the Scholars/Fellows program & awarded an internship with 1/ST Racing, which was an amazing experience that allowed me to explore various aspects of the industry and decipher which career path(s) was right for me."

For more information on the Ed Brown Society, visit https://www.edbrownsociety.org.

For more on 1/ST, visit www.1st.com or follow on social @1_racing on X or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.