Dionne Johnson

Business Manager

New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA)

As a single mom, I was able to raise my son, put him through college and graduate school, and fulfill my dream of homeownership, thanks to horse racing in New York. It’s something I’m very proud of, and I couldn’t have done it without New York racing.

I’ve been lucky to work in the sport for 39 years. Everyone here is part of a community that loves the horses and is dedicated to putting on the best and safest racing in the country. Making it possible is an industry that provides access to good-paying jobs that helps all of us raise our families.

New York racing is filled with people who work in the background, from blacksmiths, exercise riders, grooms, hotwalkers, assistant trainers, trainers, tradespeople and those on the frontside in customer service and ticket sales.

They’re the heart and soul of the sport. And they’re the ones who demonstrate the importance of New York racing as a source of jobs that provide people like me with a secure future.