The world of Thoroughbred racing is on the brink of a significant transformation, thanks to the vision of Greg Maffei. The former CEO of Liberty Media, who played a pivotal role in the meteoric rise of Formula 1, is now turning his attention to horse racing. Maffei, along with Danny Epstein of Skylark, has announced the launch of the Horse Racing League (HRL) a new team-based league set to debut in February 2027.
The HRL has already attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm, and successful horse owners like Vinnie Viola and Gary Barber. This initiative aims to bring a fresh perspective to Thoroughbred racing, drawing parallels to the success of Formula 1 under Maffei’s leadership.
The Vision Behind the Horse Racing League
Greg Maffei’s vision for the HRL is to create a league that combines the excitement of team sports with the thrill of Thoroughbred racing. The league will feature 10 teams competing in a points-driven, season-long championship across three cities: Los Angeles, Miami, and Lexington. The goal is to convert casual spectators into engaged, year-round fans while adding a fresh dimension for longtime racing enthusiasts.
The HRL plans to host a live draft event in November 2026, where each team will select eight horses to form their rosters. This draft is designed to create competitive parity across the league while delivering a marquee offseason moment for fans, media, and partners. The league’s full slate of teams will be announced in the coming months.
Key Figures and Their Roles
Everett R. Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club, will play a crucial role in the conference. Dobson will open the conference and deliver the closing remarks, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and presentations. The conference will also feature a keynote presentation by Greg Maffei, who will share his innovative franchise-based horse racing league concept.
Tom Hashimoto of the Japanese Racing Association will discuss efforts to attract younger generations to the sport and sustain racing’s popularity in Japan. James T. Dresher Jr., chair of the Maryland Jockey Club, will provide an update on recent positive developments in Maryland and what he sees in Maryland’s racing and breeding future.
Marketing and Strategy
Victoria Edwards, founder of Frankie Jean Group, and Dan Tordjman, president of TJC Media Ventures/America’s Best Racing, will share insights on an expanded industrywide marketing initiative aimed at elevating horse racing’s profile. Charlotte Clement de Bona, The Jockey Club’s chief strategy and transformation officer, will provide an update on the organization’s strategic priorities and the future of the sport.
Kristin Werner, vice president of Thoroughbred strategy and industry initiatives, will present the latest developments in The Jockey Club’s Traceability Initiative. This ongoing project, first introduced at the 2026 Round Table Conference, aims to enhance the transparency and traceability of Thoroughbred racing.
The Future of Thoroughbred Racing
The HRL plans to apply a similar playbook to American horse racing that was used in promoting Formula 1. Maffei will work in partnership with Epstein of Skylark, an incubation and investment firm focused on innovative consumer brands, sports, and entertainment. The league aims to attract not only Thoroughbred racing’s global fanbase but also the adjacent live events market and sports fans more broadly.
With a 10-horse field for every race and more than $10 million in purses and end-of-season prizes on the line each year, the HRL said it will offer the structure to deliver consistent, high-stakes horse racing competition that fans can engage with all year long. The league is in discussions to expand to three additional cities by 2029, further solidifying its place in the world of sports and entertainment.
