Each year, the first weekend in May transforms Churchill Downs into the center of the horse racing world—and once again, Midway University students were right in the middle of the action.
For the fourth consecutive year, Midway sent a strong group of students to work as parimutuel tellers during the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. With nearly a dozen students participating, the University continues to lead among colleges in the number of students selected for these roles.
Working as a mutuel clerk requires focus, accuracy, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Students are responsible for handling cash transactions, processing bets, and delivering a high level of customer service to thousands of guests—an experience that directly connects classroom learning with real-world application.
Beyond the professional growth, the experience also puts students at the center of unforgettable moments.
Midway student Nolan Jones had one such moment, snapping a photo with Dana White, the longtime leader of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, who also placed a bet at his window.
For Evie Clare, the weekend was filled with memorable interactions.
“The Oaks and Derby were a blast! I wish I had taken more photos,” she shared. “The Paddock Club never disappoints. I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but I messed up a bet for THE Bobby Flay, the well-known Food Network personality and restaurateur. Thankfully, he was very gracious about me canceling and redoing it.”
She added, “I also placed bets for Bill Belichick, the iconic head football coach known for his championship success, and Neil Patrick Harris, the award-winning actor and entertainer, was at the booth next to mine.”
While the celebrity encounters made the experience exciting, students were also able to enjoy the thrill of racing itself. Evie placed a personal bet during the week—$5 on Golden Tempo—which paid out.
Opportunities like this continue to highlight the strength of Midway University’s partnerships and its commitment to experiential learning. Students gain hands-on skills in customer service, communication, and event operations—all while being part of one of the most iconic weekends in sports.
As Evie reflected, “I hope that wherever life takes me in the next year, I can still be at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.”
From managing high-stakes transactions to experiencing the energy of Derby weekend firsthand, Midway students once again proved what it means to “work with winners.”
“This is just another example of Midway University students succeeding in challenging environments,” said Michael Michalisin, Instructor of Business.