University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program Wraps Up Successful 49th Annual Global Symposium on Racing!
The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) proudly concluded its 49th annual Symposium on Racing, held from December 4–6, 2023, at an event that brought together over 600 industry executives from around the world. The Symposium served as a platform for engaging discussions on critical issues and emerging opportunities within the horse racing community.
Kicking off the event was a keynote address by Randy Moss, NBC Sports' Analyst who provided his outlook for the future of our sport. The morning continued with an engaging discussion with Andy Beyer, Steve Crist, and Jay Privman on the Legends of the Game – Racing’s Iconic Turf Writers panel.
Throughout the symposium, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) played a prominent role. Notable sessions included a pre-conference workshop on Monday, tailored for state regulators and stewards and moderated by Alex Waldrop. On Tuesday, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus outlined the organization’s visionary goals in the HISA in 2024 and Beyond presentation. The Symposium's final day featured a collaborative effort between HISA and HIWU, offering insights and updates on HISA’s Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping & Medication Control Programs.
Diverse panels throughout the symposium delved into vital topics such as Category 1 rules, the ramifications of race track closures, strategies for maximizing handle in international markets, the role of computer-assisted wagering, analyzing horse racing’s economic impact, and the critical issue of mental wellness within the industry.
Highlighting Tuesday's events were the presentation of RTIP and industry awards. Among the honorees were the Big Sport of Turfdom winner, Jena Antonucci, and the recipient of the Clay Puett Award, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Looking ahead, the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing is already generating anticipation. Scheduled to take place at Loews Ventana Canyon from December 9–11, the event promises to build on the success of this year's symposium. Hotel and registration details for the 2024 symposium will be available on the official website, www.racingsymposium.com, in early 2024.