Speaker Series: Bill Nader, Thoroughbred Owners of California

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As part of the Joe Hirsch Speaker Series, Bill Nader joined RTIP students for a conversation over Zoom. Mr. Nader is the former Executive Director of Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), and the current President of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). His interactive conversation focused on his time at the HKJC, and covered the differences between racing in the United States as compared to Hong Kong. Mr. Nader was well versed in HJKC operations as he worked in Hong Kong from 2007-2016, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations. Mr. Nader also talked about how he helped develop Hong Kong racing with the creation of a new racing facility that is slated to open in 2026. He explained the steps needed to accomplish this major undertaking. In addition, he discussed how different the ownership rules are in Hong Kong as compared to US. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the challenges facing California racing, especially with the closure of Golden Gate Fields. The class talked through the pros and the cons of continuing racing in Northern California at a time when racing in Southern California continues to face challenges.