From RTIP Student to CHRB Hearing Officer: Patrick Kane Returns to the Classroom
Rachel and Patrick Kane on the University of Arizona campus
When Patrick Kane walked into our Advanced Racing Law class, he wasn’t just a guest speaker it was a full-circle moment. As a University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) alum, Patrick returned not only as a practicing attorney, but as someone who has spent more than a decade working at the intersection of racing and the law.
Patrick shared how his journey began at the Rillito Racetrack as a child, eventually leading him through RTIP, internships at major tracks, law school, and ultimately into a position as a hearing officer with the California Horse Racing Board. His story was especially impactful for those of us interested in the regulatory and legal side of the industry. He explained how his background in both racing and law uniquely prepared him for his current role reviewing appeals, conducting hearings, and issuing proposed decisions in cases that come before him.
Rather than simply lecturing, Patrick gave us something much more memorable: real life cases to discuss, review and debate. Our class stepped into the roles of the people who participated in these cases, we analyzed evidence, debated burden of proof, and wrestled with due process just as it would happen in an actual hearing. Patrick walked us through how cases reach his desk, explaining the procedural pathways and what happens when someone appeals a steward’s ruling or licensing decision. Hearing the structure of the process directly from someone who conducts these hearings brought the material we’ve been studying to life.
Recreating the case as a mock trial challenged us to think critically, it pushed us beyond theory and into practical application, something the RTIP does best. Patrick Kane’s visit was more than a guest lecture. It was a reminder of what’s possible for RTIP students and how diverse career paths in racing can be. Seeing an alum return to campus as a leader in racing law reinforced the value of our program and made the legal side of the industry feel tangible, accessible, and exciting.