Inside the Del Mar Summer Internship Program: Meet the 2025 Interns
Isabella Holway, a rising junior at Oklahoma State University majoring in Sports Management, is no stranger to horses. A member of OSU’s Division I equestrian team, Holway has been riding since the age of three and recently worked with a trainer in Holland, where she gained international show experience.
“I fell in love with horses as a kid,” she says. Raised in Cardiff-by-the-Sea—just minutes from Del Mar—Holway has long been close to the racing world. Her family’s friendship with Craig Fravel, former Del Mar president and Breeders’ Cup CEO, gave her unique behind-the-scenes access to major racing events, including a visit to meet American Pharoah.
For Holway, the Del Mar Summer Internship Program represents the perfect blend of passion and purpose. “This internship gives me the opportunity to bridge my love for horses and my goal of working in professional sports.”
Peyton Seltzer, a sophomore at USC majoring in Business Administration, brings a strong legacy to the program. Raised in Rancho Santa Fe, she’s the daughter and granddaughter of racehorse owners. In 2016, her family’s mare, Finest City, won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita and later secured an Eclipse Award.
“I grew up doing hunter jumper competitions since I was six,” Seltzer shares. “Now I’m fascinated by how the business side of racing works. The Del Mar Summer Internship Program offers exposure to every department.”
Her racing journey even took her to the Kentucky Derby, where she watched her horse place second in the Humana Distaff. These experiences have shaped her interest in sports business—and this summer is a chance to explore it further.
Colby Kiesling, a senior Business Marketing major at the University of Kansas, grew up in Carlsbad and has been attending races at Del Mar since childhood. He originally pursued college baseball in Montana before pivoting to focus on academics and racing.
“I love watching the races,” Colby says. “One summer, I bet on a horse that led the whole race—until the final stretch when he got passed. That rollercoaster made me a fan for life.”
He views the Del Mar Summer Internship Program as an extension of his business education. “It’s fascinating to learn how the track attracts people, manages sponsorships, and makes racing a full entertainment experience.”
Luka Givelber is an Economics major at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Born in Tacoma, Washington and now based in Carmel Valley, he’s always been a die-hard sports fan. “Being part of this iconic venue is something I couldn’t pass up,” he says.
“We’re rotating through different departments—from the racing office to guest services,” Luka explains. “It’s helped me realize just how much coordination goes into putting on live events.”
The business side has especially piqued his interest. “I didn’t expect to be so intrigued by the financial logistics of race planning, but it’s been fascinating to watch how races are structured behind the scenes.”
How the Del Mar Summer Internship Program Shapes Future Careers
With horse racing striving to attract a younger demographic, the Del Mar Summer Internship Program is a key gateway to introducing the next generation to the sport. These four driven interns represent the perfect blend of energy, curiosity, and commitment that racing needs to remain vibrant and sustainable.
All four students agree—the Del Mar Summer Internship Program has already provided them with valuable connections, fresh perspectives, and an inside look at an industry that blends heritage and modern entertainment.
Whether they go on to pursue careers in sports, business, or racing itself, their summer at Del Mar is bound to leave a lasting impression. And for the industry, that’s a win worth betting on.
To learn more about the program or to follow Del Mar’s summer meet, visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. For more stories, previews, and racing features, check out the Today On section at RaceBuzz.
