Clone of Agenda

Welcome Remarks

  • Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, University of Arizona Men's Basketball 

Keynote Address

HISA in 2025: A Look Ahead

  • Lisa Lazarus, CEO, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)

Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Applications for Advancing Horse Racing

  • Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, 1/ST RACING
  • Mark Midland, Co-Founder & CEO, Horse Racing Nation
  • Zoë Nengite, Enterprise Technical Lead and Senior Architect, Palantir Technologies
  • Michael Novak, Founder, Backstretch & Contest Jockey
  • Ricardo Valerdi, Department Head, Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona
  • Moderator: Kyle McDoniel, President and COO, Equibase

Going Global: Updates and Insights from the World Stage 

  • Hernán Fucile<, Commercial Manager, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo
  • Beltrán Montt<, Operations Manager, Hipódromo Chile Racetrack
  • Solomon Sharpe, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Main Event Entertainment Group Limited
  • Sarah Tregoning, Director of Media and Communications, Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
  • Moderator: Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services

Champions. Challenges. Commitment.  
A Conversation with Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher

  • Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame Trainer
  • Todd Pletcher<, Hall of Fame Trainer
  • Moderator: Amy Zimmerman, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, Santa Anita Park

Investing in Racing's Future: Perspectives From the Next Generation.

  • Alexa Ravit<, Director of Communications & Outreach, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
  • Eric DeCoster, Racing Official, Oaklawn Park & Prairie Meadows
  • Jeff Matty, Jr., Executive Director, Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
  • Sam Reinhardt, Assistant General Counsel, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
  • Najja Thompson, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc
  • Moderator: Donna Barton Brothers, NBC Sports

Fifty Ideas in 50 Minutes

  • Alex Dadoyan, Director of Racing, MGM Yonkers
  • Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Officer, Breeders’ Cup Limited
  • Liza Hendriks, CEO, Inglis Digital USA
  • Jay Hovdey, National Columnist, BloodHorse Publications
  • Dick Powell,  Consultant, Racing & Gaming Services (RGS)
  • Moderator: Donna Barton Brothers, NBC Sports

Welcome
Dr. Douglas Scott Merrell, Director, School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, 

RTIP Senior Capstone Presentations

  • Alicia EvansRTIP student
  • Aldo ZamoraRTIP student 

Racing's Success Stories – The Year in Review

  • Michael BehrensFounder & CEO, MyRacehorse
  • Brien BouyeaHall of Fame and Communications Director, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
  • Tom CassidyIndustry Relations Senior Manager, FanDuel
  • Annise MontplaisirExecutive Director, Amplify
  • Moderator: Robert Hartman Chair, Race Track Industry Program

The HIWU Testing Strategy: A Peek Behind the Curtain

  • Kate MittelstadtChief of Operations, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit 
  • Shaun RichardsDirector of Intelligence & Strategy, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
  • Dr. Mary ScollayChief of Science, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
  • Moderator: Dr. Jeff BleaEquine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board

Unlocking the Winning Playbook: Driving Innovative Sports Marketing Strategies

  • Dave AlmyCo-Founder, ADC Partners
  • Nikki BarryMultimedia Operations and Brand Manager, Arizona Sports Properties
  • Megan BellSVP, Consumer Revenue & Insights, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Moderator: Craig DadoFounder/President, Sports Injury Central

Securing the Future of America’s Retired Racehorses: Strategies, Success Stories, and Sustainable Solutions

  • Stacie Clark RogersOperations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)
  • Pat CummingsExecutive Director, National Thoroughbred Alliance
  • Jessica HammondExecutive Director, Beyond the Wire
  • Jen RoytzCo-Owner, Brownstead Farm
  • Moderator: Jill ByrneVice President of Strategic Planning, Virginia Equine Alliance

TPA Mark Kaufman Workshop: How Do We Keep Racing Relevant in the Evolving Wagering Landscape?

  • Nelson ClemmensOwner, AmWest Entertainment
  • Matt FeigCOO, NYRA Bets
  • Dr. Marshall GrammProfessor, Department of Economics, Rhodes College
  • Zach TaylorNorth American Director of Sales, Global Tote
  • Moderator: Jessica PaquetteAnnouncer, Parx Racing; TPA Vice President

Safeguarding Equine Health: Biosecurity Strategies for Disease Prevention and Control

  • Dr. Jeff BleaEquine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board
  • Dustin DixDirector of Racetrack Operations, Sunland Park
  • Dr. Betsy GreeneProfessor / Extension Horse Specialist, University of Arizona 
  • Dr. Ryan WolkerState Veterinarian, Arizona Department of Agriculture
  • Moderator: Elizabeth RogersAssistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program

Structuring Handicapping Contests: Enhancing Bettor Experience While Boosting Bottom Line Results

  • Dustin FabianSenior Director of Marketing, XpressBet
  • Jim GoodmanMutuel Director, Keeneland
  • Brian SkirkaMarketing Manager, Monmouth Park
  • Moderator: Michele RavencraftSenior Vice President, National Thoroughbred Racing Association