Part 4: Young Professionals Heading to Breeders' Cup

This is part four of our series highlighting the group of young professionals who own Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf contender Best Performance.

Learn more about West Point Thoroughbreds’ Young Professionals Initiative by reading Part 1 (Jonathan Villa), Part 2 (Chris Arroyo), and Part 3 (Kendra Potasiewicz)

This is part four of our series highlighting the group of young professionals who own Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf contender Best Performance.

Learn more about West Point Thoroughbreds’ Young Professionals Initiative by reading Part 1 (Jonathan Villa), Part 2 (Chris Arroyo), and Part 3 (Kendra Potasiewicz)

Read Breeders’ Cup feature on West Point Thoroughbreds’ Young Professionals Initiative.

Next up is Chris Barber, associate director of the Ford Foundation.

1.) How did you become a racing fan?

I happened to turn on the national TV broadcast of the Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer Kentucky Derby. Like many fans, I was totally captivated by the series of races between those two horses. I remember having my next birthday party at Golden Gate Fields, our local Northern California track.

2.) What made you decide you wanted to be a racehorse owner?

I wanted a better view into the planning and preparation that goes into every race. This has been fascinating to watch firsthand. As an owner, you see the entire process and gain a new appreciation for the countless hours devoted to breeding, training, grooming, etc. All to win a two-minute race.

3.) What do your friends/family think of your “investment”?

They think it’s super exciting…and a tiny bit crazy!

4.) What advice would you give to other young people looking to get involved?

Take the opportunity to learn as much as possible. The many articles on West Point’s website are a great resource for learning about the business side of thoroughbred racing.

5.) How does it feel to have a horse pointing for the Breeders’ Cup?

In a word, grateful! Many owners wait years and invest millions before having a horse like Best Performance, so I’m not taking it for granted.