NYRA partnering with Ed Brown Society

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York Racing Association is partnering with the Ed Brown Society to help create opportunities for young people of color to garner experience in the equine industry in New York State.

The Ed Brown Society is named after African American horseman, Edward Dudley Brown, who was a thoroughbred jockey, trainer and owner from the late 19th Century until he retired in 1903. 

"The Ed Brown Society is really about two things," the non-profit's president Clark Williams said. "It's about celebrating the rich history of African American hymns in this wonderful score. And then it's also about opening up opportunities for students of color to get introduced to the sport, to get professional and career development, and to ultimately find a place within this sport, professionally, across all the various disciplines that the thoroughbred industry has to offer for you."

NYRA has given money to the Ed Brown Society to develop Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows who will qualify for paid internships at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

Edward Dudley Brown was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1984.