Cameron Kina's passion for horse racing began long before he even stepped onto the racetrack. His path to this exciting world started right in front of the television in his parents' house. As he shared, "I would sit in the house and play with the racing whips and pretend I was driving. Ever since I was old enough, my dad would take me out on the jog cart, and I loved it. Racing has been a dream of mine for as long I can remember."

First Steps in the Sulky

In 2023, that long-held dream became a reality when Kina made his first two starts in the sulky. This year, he added the role of trainer to his resume. On April 29, he recorded his first training win at Miami Valley in Lebanon, OH. Threefiftytwo, a trotting son of Royalty For Life—Two Damsals, was sent on his way as the 5-1 fourth choice in the field of 10 for the evening's 13th dash. In rein to Samuel Widger, the brown gelding was two lengths behind the leader after three-quarters in 1:26. Kina said, "I had a lot of people in my corner, hoping to get me that first training win. I thought he could win the race when I first looked at the program. He's a hard-trying horse and he gives his heart out there. We had a perfect 2-hole trip. Sam pulled him out and he just wouldn't go by the leader. I kept urging him on from where I was standing. Sam was telling him, 'We've got to do this for Cameron.'" And they did, by a scant head, in 1:55.3. His grandmother [Barb Carpenter] was there — she drove down with him to the track — so the win was even more special. "She was so happy," Kina added.

The Second Big Win

There was more elation to come less than three months later. On July 15, at Oak Harbor, the half-mile Ohio oval, Kina was in the sulky for the 10th race, a pace with a purse of $3,562 and six starters. The pacer he partnered that evening, Catch Me Conrad, was a familiar face. He said, "I have been around this horse since I was a young kid. Greg Cook, a great family friend who is like an uncle to me, would say, 'When you are old enough to drive, I'll let you drive him.' I was determined to make my first race with Cook's bay gelding a winning one. The 2-5 odds showing beside their number on the infield tote board suggested it was well within their grasp. Floating off the gate to settle into second through an opening panel in :27.4, Kina then gave Catch Me Conrad his cue. He said, 'I knew there was no way we were going to lose. I knew this horse inside and out. It was amazing. Once I got to the front on the backside, I looked back and I felt his strength in my hands and I said, 'We're not losing this.' As soon as we turned for home, he kept going.' At the wire, the pair was seven lengths clear of their closest pursuer. They stopped the clock in 1:56.1. "He's a great horse," Kina said. "He wants to do all the work for me. It was the best feeling. It really was a dream come true."

Unwavering Work Ethic

Although his milestone first training and driving wins could not have been more different, Kina's work ethic, approach to racing, and care of his stable of four horses has remained unchanged. His knowledge of the sport and passion for it continues to expand by the day. He said, "I wanted to be a driver, but my dad always told me that I needed to know the horses, how to take care of them, what they need – so I did that, and I fell in love with the horses. They are wonderful animals. I learned more and more about them, the equipment, what to look for. I started leaning more towards training than driving, but I still love to drive."

Support from Family

Support is always close at hand. Kina said, "I got a ton, not just from my family. My mom [Jennifer Carpenter], my dad, [John Kina], and grandma – they are there to encourage me." Each one provides Cameron with invaluable, albeit different, advice. He said, "My dad is the smartest person I know. He was in the business but got out of it a little while ago. He's like an encyclopedia – if I need to know something, I go to him. My mom is always there for me. If I had a bad day training or driving, she's there to tell me it's alright." As for his grandmother, hands-on help and straight-forward encouragement are always in ample supply. He said, "My grandma is there to kick my butt if I need it. She helps out in the barn. She's going to be 78, but she is going strong and does everything."

Looking Ahead

In a year of firsts, Cameron has found his best stride, finding himself more comfortable than he has ever been in his career, and eager to hone his craft. Looking back on his first full season, the 19-year-old horseman — he celebrated his birthday on Dec. 2 — is grateful for what he has accomplished in 2024. He said, "I learned that I could do more than I thought I could. I have four horses and help my mom with hers. I just know more now than I ever did. There is still more to learn, and I am ready to do that. It started out slow, but I understand I am young, and I appreciated any drive I got. On the training side, the horses have been very good lately, which has been nice. The more horses I have been working with, the more my dad has taught me. I am doing more each day without going to him, but if I do have questions, I know he will have the answers." Cameron, who excelled at basketball, baseball, and football, is also working on achieving some personal goals, including adding a few more pacers and trotters to his operation. He said, "I have two more qualifiers for my pari-mutuel license, so I'm looking forward to having that first race. I also want to have a bigger stable. Right now, I have four of my own, so I would like to get a few more. Those are my goals for now. So far, it's going well, and I hope it gets even better."And while he is part of an industry he was perhaps destined to be in, Cameron hasn't taken any of his good fortune for granted. It is something he is reminded of the moment he sets foot in the barn each morning. He said, "I love the horses. They go out and give you everything they've got. Why wouldn't you do the same for them? They deserve the greatest care you can give them."

New York has witnessed a remarkable phenomenon as Bitcoin reached an unprecedented milestone. The cryptocurrency, once a niche asset, has now taken the financial world by storm. This article delves into the factors behind Bitcoin's ascent, its implications, and the risks involved.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Bitcoin's $100,000 Mark

Back up. What is cryptocurrency again?

Cryptocurrency has been a topic of intense discussion in recent years. It represents digital money that operates through an online network without a central authority. Bitcoin, the pioneer of this digital currency, has led the way, with other assets like Ethereum, XRP, Tether, and Dogecoin also gaining popularity. While some view it as a digital alternative to traditional money, it remains highly volatile, with its price influenced by larger market conditions.

For instance, in the early days, Bitcoin was a relatively unknown concept. But as time passed, its popularity grew exponentially. Today, it has become a global phenomenon, with investors and enthusiasts around the world keeping a close eye on its every move.

Moreover, the technology behind cryptocurrency, known as blockchain, has revolutionized the way transactions are recorded and verified. This has made it a more secure and transparent alternative to traditional financial systems.

Why is bitcoin soaring?

The recent surge in Bitcoin's price can be attributed to several factors, with the U.S. presidential election being a significant one. Trump, who was initially a crypto skeptic, has now embraced the cryptocurrency and pledged to make the U.S. the "crypto capital of the planet." His campaign's acceptance of cryptocurrency donations and his participation in bitcoin conferences have sent a positive signal to the market.

Furthermore, Trump's intention to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also boosted investor confidence. Atkins, with his pro-crypto stance, is expected to push for regulatory changes that will benefit the industry.

Under the current SEC chair Gary Gensler, the crypto industry has faced some regulatory challenges. However, Gensler's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January has provided a significant boost to the market. These ETFs have allowed investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly buying it, driving up demand and prices.

What does bitcoin hitting the $100k mark mean? Could it keep climbing?

Bitcoin's crossing of the $100,000 mark has sent shockwaves through the crypto world. It represents a fundamental transformation of Bitcoin's place in the financial system. As more institutional investors enter the market, the demand for Bitcoin is expected to increase further.

However, some experts caution that the $100,000 level is merely a psychological factor and may not necessarily lead to mainstream adoption. The cryptocurrency remains highly volatile, and factors such as worldwide regulatory uncertainties and environmental concerns could hamper its future growth.

For example, the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, which consumes a significant amount of energy, has raised concerns among environmentalists. If proper measures are not taken to address this issue, it could limit the long-term viability of Bitcoin.

Is it too late to invest? What are the risks?

The excitement around Bitcoin's recent performance may tempt many to invest. However, experts advise caution. Bitcoin is a high-risk asset that is not suitable for everyone. Its volatility and unpredictability make it a challenging investment option.

History has shown that investors can lose money in crypto just as quickly as they can make it. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and prices can fluctuate dramatically within a short period.

Moreover, regulatory uncertainties around the world could pose a significant risk to Bitcoin investors. Governments are still grappling with how to regulate cryptocurrencies, and any sudden changes in regulations could have a negative impact on the market.

Despite these risks, some investors are still bullish on Bitcoin. They believe that its long-term potential is significant, and that it could continue to rise in value. However, it is important to approach Bitcoin investment with caution and to do thorough research before making any decisions.

What about the climate impact?

The climate impact of Bitcoin mining is a major concern. The process of mining Bitcoin consumes a significant amount of energy, which contributes to carbon emissions. This has led to calls for more sustainable mining practices and the use of clean energy.

Recent research has highlighted the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. It has shown that the carbon footprint of Bitcoin mining across 76 nations is equivalent to the emissions from burning a large amount of coal or running a significant number of natural gas-fired power plants.

However, industry analysts believe that clean energy is being increasingly used in Bitcoin mining. This is a positive development as it helps to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. As more attention is paid to climate protection, it is expected that Bitcoin mining will become more sustainable in the future.