Each semester, the RTIP invites racing industry leaders to be guest professors in their classes; these speakers provide students a diverse base of knowledge along with a great opportunity to network and establish relationships with industry professionals. This provides a critical link for students, as the real-life information provided by the speakers puts scholastic knowledge into context.
Follow each link to learn more about each visit.
2024 Guest Speakers
- Alexa Ravit — Director of Communications & Outreach, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU)
- Eric Sindler — General Counsel for California Racing Operations, 1/ST
- Leslie Janeka — Coordinator, Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI )
- Gary Fenton — Managing Partner, Little Red Feather Racing
- Arthur Cooper — International Racehorse Commentator
- Dr. Abbie Haffner — DVM
- Erich Zimny — GM/VP of Operations, Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course
- Peter Rotondo — Senior VP of Racing & Wagering, 1/ST
- Andrew Offerman — Senior VP of Racing and Operations, New York Racing Association (NYRA)
- Bill Nader — President, Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC)
- Mike Tanner — Executive VP & CEO, United States Trotting Association (USTA)
- Tom Clark — Owner, Rancho San Miguel
- J Curtis Linnell — Executive Vice President, Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB)
- Alex Waldrop — Former CEO, National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA)
- Teena Appleby — Operations & Investigations Technician, Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB)
2023 Guest Speakers
- Dr. Mary Scollay — Chief of Science Horseracing Welfare and Integrity Unit (HIWU)
- Hal Wafer — Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Administrator, Arizona Department of Gaming
- J. Curtis Linnell — Executive Vice President, Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB)
- Megan Eisenhard — University Credit Union, Chief Growth Officer
- Dr. David Lambert — StrideSafe
- Chris McErlean — Vice President of Racing, Penn Gaming
- Mark Thurman — President and CEO, CHRIMS
- Eric Hamelback — President, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA)
- H. James Brown — Thoroughbred racehorse trainer
- Will Alempijevic — Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA)
- Boyd Browning — President and CEO, Fasig-Tipton Company
- Don Ahrens — Security executive, Penn Entertainment and Breeders’ Cup
- Mike Weiss — General Manager, Rillito Park
- Mike Ziegler — General Manager, Churchill Downs racetrack
2022 Guest Speakers
- Aiden Butler — Chief Operating Officer, 1/ST Racing, and President, 1/ST Content
- Lonny Powell — CEO, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA)
- Amy Zimmerman — Santa Anita Park, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer; NBC Sports Producer
- Eric Halstrom — Vice President & General Manager, Indiana Grand
- Tony Lacy — Vice President of Sales, Keeneland
- Eugene Joyce — General Manager, Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC
- Jessica Hammond — Beyond the Wire
- Acacia Courtney — On-Air Handicapper, Gulfstream Park
- Martin Panza — Former SVP of racing operations, New York Racing Association’s (NYRA)
- Keith Doleshel — Racing Secretary, Aqueduct Racetrack
- Scott Chaney — Executive Directer, California Horse Racing Board, (CHRB)
- Alan Balch — Executive Director, California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT)
- Matthew O’Connor — Owner/Trainer, Matthew B. O’Connor Racing Stables
- Todd Pletcher — Owner/Trainer, Todd Pletcher Racing
2021 Guest Speakers
- Alan M. Foreman — Chairman and CEO of Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations, Inc.
- Terry Meyocks — President & CEO, The Jockeys’ Guild
- Ed Martin — Secretary, Harness Horsemen's International; Executive Director, Delaware Standardbred Owners Association
- Alex Waldrop —President & CEO, National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA)
- Janet VanBebber —Chief Racing Officer, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
- Sal DiMario —Secretary, Harness Horsemen's International/Executive Director, Delaware Standardbred Owners Association
- Mike Tanner —Executive Vice-President and CEO, United States Trotting Association
2019 Guest Speakers
- Luis Jauregui — Steward, California Horse Racing Board
- Curtis Linnell — Executive Vice President, Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau
- Dr. Dionne Benson — Executive Director & CEO, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium
- Marsha Kelly — MSK Ventures
- Bill Knauf (via Skype) — Vice President Business Operations, Monmouth Park Racetrack
- Paul Monroe — Director of Marketing, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
- Scott Finley — Country Manager, Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU)
- Scott Chaney — Steward, California Horse Racing Board
- Ismael (Izzy) Trejo — Executive Director, New Mexico Racing Commission
- Jen Perkins — Senior Manager, eWagering, Penn National Gaming & Hollywood Casino
- Andrew Offerman — Senior Director of Racing Operations, Canterbury Park
- Frank Lamb — Director of Government Affairs, Wyoming Downs
- Ed Martin — President, Association of Racing Commissioners International
- Don Ahrens — Director of Security and Parking, Sam Houston Race Park
- Juan Estrada — Investigator, Arizona Gaming Commission
2018 Guest Speakers
- Kathy Berkey — Bloodstock Agent
- Jon Moss — Executive Director, Iowa HBPA
- Steve May — Director of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Compliance, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Scott Chaney — Steward, California Horse Racing Board
- Dr. Dionne Benson — Executive Director & CEO, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium
- Leo Connolly — Steward and retired FBI agent
- Jeff Lowich — Director of Industry Relations, TVG
- Rebecca Sommerville — Senior TV Producer, TVG
- Kim Bijou — Talent Acquisition Business Partner, TVG
- Scott Chaney — Steward, California Horse Racing Board
- Andrew Offerman — Senior Director of Racing Operations, Canterbury Park
- Dr. Mary Scollay — Equine Medical Director, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Tom Sage — Executive Director, Nebraska Racing Commission
2017 Guest Speakers
- Bill Nader — Former Executive Director, Hong Kong Jockey Club
- Bart Lang — Director of Racing, Lone Star Park
- Judy Horton — Event Coordinator, Wyoming Downs
- Dr. Dionne Benson — Executive Director, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium
- Eddie Arroyo — Chief Steward, Illinois Racing Board
- Frank Hopf — Senior Director of Racing Operations, Sam Houston Race Park
- Dr. Melanie Stopeck — Managing Director, Talent Management and Organizational Development, Citigroup
- Dr. Mary Scollay — Equine Medical Director, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Paul Monroe — Vice President of Marketing, Lone Star Park
- Richard Migliore — Retired Jockey and Race Analyst
- Andrew Turro — Lawyer, Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein P.C.
2016 Guest Speakers
- Kathy Berkey — Berkey Bloodstock Services
- Dave Johnson — Turf Paradise Race Course
- Dr. Scot Waterman — DVM, Equine Medical Director and Veterinary Consultant, New Mexico Racing Commission
- Marsha Kelly — MSK Ventures
- Sean Beirne — Regional Sales Representative, Roberts Communications Network
- Bill Dwyre — Sports Editor and Columnist
- Beverley Smith — Freelance journalist
- C. Scott Chaney — Steward, CHRB
- Jim Mulvihill — Director of Media and Industry Relations, NTRA
- Amy Zimmerman — Vice President and Director of Broadcasting, The Stronach Group
2015 Guest Speakers
- Bill Nader — Executive Director, Hong Kong Jockey Club
- Arthur Maberry — Branch Manager, Andreini & Company
- Chance Timm — Stallion Seasons & Shares Director, Lane's End
- Steve Keech — President, AmTote, Inc.
- Dr. Scot Waterman — DVM, Animal Medical and Welfare Advisor for ADOR
- John Imbriale — NYRA Director of Television Production
- Sean Frisby — Senior Marketing Executive
- Bennett Liebman — Attorney, Albany Law School
- Andrew Turro — Lawyer, Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein P.C.
- Sophia McKee — Vice President of Marketing, Emerald Downs
- Alan Foreman — Chairman and CEO, Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Inc.
- Romund Otsbo — Racing Secretary, Norway
- Gary West — Member, National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association
2014 Guest Speakers
- Michael Weiss — Managing Director, Roberts Communications Network LLC
- Greg Nichols — Board Member, Victoria Racing Board
- Mike Tanner — Executive Vice-President, United States Trotting Association
- Jahnea Erpenbach & Rick Moore — Marketing Director & General Manager, Hoosier Park
- Nan Stockholm Walden — Vice President and Counsel, Farmers Investment Co.
- Rachel Ryan — Marketing Manager, Meadowlands Race Track
- Dr. Jennifer Durenberger — Director of Racing, Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
- Frank Lamb — Executive Director, Idaho Racing Commission
- Scott Chaney — Steward, California
- Andrew Turro — Lawyer, Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein P.C.
2013 Guest Speakers
- George "Skip" Carlson — Vice President, External Affairs and Signature Service, Saratoga & Casino Raceway
- Pauliina Raento — Research Director, Finnish Foundation for Gaming Research and Professor of Human Geography at the University of Helsinki
- Marsha Kelly — President, Kelly Media Consulting
- Kevin Mullally & Mark Brnovich — General Counsel and Director of Government Relations, Gaming Laboratories International; Executive Director, Arizona Department of Gaming
- Dr. Torri Maxwell — Technical Veterinarian, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals
- Mike Tanner — Executive Vice President and CEO, United States Trotting Association
- Mark Thurman — President and CEO, CHRIMS
- Matt Hegarty — Industry Reporter, Daily Racing Form
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Associate Professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
- Dr. Rick Arthur — Equine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board
- Eddie Arroyo — Senior Steward, Illinois Racing Board and former jockey
- Raj Mutti — Regional General Manager of B.C. Racing, Great Canadian Gaming
- Vince Mares — Executive Director, New Mexico Racing Commission
2012 Guest Speakers
- Arthur Maberry — Agent, Brooks Maberry Inc. Equine Insurance
- Kathleen Berkey — President, Berkey Bloodstock Services, Inc.
- Leslie Janecka — Coordinator, KEMI (Kentucky Equine Management Internship)
- Eric Andersen — Bloodstock Agent
- Andrew Offerman — New Media & Live Racing Coordinator, Canterbury Park
- Dennis Miller — Executive Director, CANTER Arizona
- Dean Hoffman — Hoffman Communications LLC (former Editor in Chief of Hoof Beats magazine)
- Nick Nicholson — President and CEO, Keeneland Association, Inc.
- Stuart Glogoff — Senior Consultant, UA Office of Instruction and Assessment
- Dr. Ross Rich — Owner, Cave Creek Equine Surgical & Diagnostic
- Dr. Mary Scollay — Equine Medical Director, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC)
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Director, UC Davis Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
- Dr. Heather Knych — UC Davis
- Mike Tanner — Executive Vice President & CEO, United States Trotting Association (USTA)
- Vic Stauffer — Track Announcer, Betfair Hollywood Park and California racing steward
- Tom Varela — Vice President, Monarch Content Management
- Kevin Mullally — General Counsel & Director-Government Relations, Gaming Laboratories International LLC
2011 Guest Speakers
- Simon Cooper — Company Secretary, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc.
- Tyler Johnson — Director of Casino Operations, Remington Park
- Tammy Gantt — Director of Promotions and Sales, Calder Casino and Race Course
- Kevin Mullally — Gaming Laboratories International
- George Duprey — Sales Manager, InCompass
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Director, Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC Davis
- Scott Wells — President and General Manager, Remington Park
- Leslie Janecka — Coordinator, Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) Program
- Dr. Rick Arthur — Equine Medical Director of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB)
- Alex Dadoyan — Assistant Vice President of Racing Development & Distribution, Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park
- Stuart Glogoff — Senior Consultant, University of Arizona, Office of Instruction and Assessment
- Ed Martin — President, ARCI
- Dan Silver — Communications Director, NYRA
- Mike Pegram — Thoroughbred Owner
- Audrey Kauffman — Manager of Mutuels and Account Wagering, Oregon Racing Commission
- Ralph "Chip" Kemnitz — Commissioner, South Dakota Commission on Gaming
2010 Speakers
- Gary Palmer/Paul Johnson — Prairie Meadows
- Jeff True — President, Jeff True Consulting
- Larry Eliason — Executive Secretary, South Dakota Commission on Gaming
- Jennifer Hancock — Director of Marketing, AQHA
- Marsha Kelly — President, Kelly Media Consulting, Inc.
- Robert Hartman — General Manager, Golden Gate Fields and an RTIP alum
- Marc Anderson — Senior Director, Simulcast Operations, TrackNet Media Group, LLC.
- Dr. Richard Sams — Professor, Florida Racing Lab
- Georganne Hale — Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Maryland Jockey Club
- Dr. Lynn Hovda — Minnesota Racing Commission Regulatory Vet
- Jeff Johnston — Regional Guild Representative for the Jockeys’ Guild
- Stuart Glogoff — Senior Consultant, Learning Technologies, UA Office of Instruction and Assessment
- Richard Scheidt — Northern California Director of Operations, Thoroughbred Owners of California
- Alex Waldrop — President & CEO, NTRA
- Steve Fedunak — Mutuels Manager, Sunland Park Race Track & Casino
- Erin Owens — Chair, Arizona Racing Commission; Chair, RCI
- Kevin Mullally — General Council & Director of Government
- Edwin Anthony — Pedigree Consultant
2009 Speakers
- Mr. Louis J. Raffetto, Jr. — CEO, National Steeplechase Association
- Mr. Roxy Roxborough
- Mr. Nick Clarke — former Managing Director International Racing Bureau
- Mr. Rob Terry — Vice President of Simulcasting, Racing & Gaming Services, Inc.
- Mr. Paul Nauta
- Frank Hopf — Simulcast Director, Sam Houston Race Park
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Associate Professor, University of California-Davis
- Mary Scollay — Equine Medical Director, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Dean Hoffman — Hoffman Communications, LLC
- Pat Tarnay — Account Executive, Las Vegas Dissemination
- Robert Hartman — General Manager, Golden Gate Fields
- Marsha Kelly — President, Kelly Media Consulting, Inc.
- Mike Kintner — Assistant Director of Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino
- Sean Mason — Senior Technical Analytical Engineer, Gaming Laboratories International
- Dan Perlsweig — Retired Trainer and Part-time Blood Stock Agent
- Larry Eliason — Executive Secretary, South Dakota Commission on Gaming
2008 Speakers
- Darcy Hitesman — Hitesman & Associates, P.A.
- Brad Hennegan — Independent Film-maker and Co-Producer, "The First Saturday in May"
- Robert Hartman — General Manager, Golden Gate Fields and RTIP Alumnus
- Mike Kintner — Assistant Director of Marketing, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino
- Dr. Norman Hester — Technical Director, Truesdail Laboratories, Inc.
- Marsha Kelly — President, Kelly Media Consulting, Inc.
- Bob Harris — Sr. Editor, Football Diehards Magazine
- Rick Hammerle — Racing Secretary, Santa Anita Park
- Tom Persechino — Senior Director of Marketing, American Quarter Horse Association
- Chuck Geffen — CEO, Branding Rights
- Larry Swartzlander — Director Of Operations, California Authority of Racing Fairs
- Kevin Mullally — General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs, Gaming Laboratories International, Inc.
- Amy Crowfoot — Mathematician, Gaming Laboratories International, Inc.
- Margo Flynn — Director of Public Relations, Tampa Bay Downs
- Constantin Rieger — Executive Director, Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission
- Scott Wells — Vice President and General Manager, Remington Park
- Liz Bracken — Director of Simulcasting, NYRA
- Frank Taylor — Taylor Made Farms
- Arthur Mayberry — Brooks-Mayberry, Inc.
- Ameet Patel — Pen National Gaming, Inc.
- Ed Martin — President, Association of Racing Commissioners International
- Doug O'Neill — Owner, O'Neill Racing Stable
- Eric Anderson — Thoroughbred Bloodstock Agent
- Frank Mirahmadi — Announcer, Turf Paradise
2007 Speakers
- Kent H. Stirling — Executive Director, Florida Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association
- Tae-In Jung — Assistant Manager, Korea Racing Authority and Executive in Residence, University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program
- Vernon Niven — Executive Vice President Technical Initiatives, Churchill Downs, Inc.
- Ron Geary — President, Ellis Park Race Course
- Joe Harper — President/General Manager, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
- Paul Porter — Director of Simulcasting, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and RTIP Alum
- Jim Altrichter — President, Smart Button Associates, Inc
- Dean Hoffman — Owner, Hoffman Communications, LLC
- Dennis Moore — Owner, Track Tek Inc.
- Patricia Shirley — Trainer
- Dr. Rick Arthur — Equine Medical Director, California Horse Racing Board
- Larry Eliason — Executive Secretary, South Dakota Commission on Gaming
- Dr. Eliot Narotsky — Racing Secretary, Maywood Park
- Robert Butcher — Director Pari-Mutuels, Keeneland Association, Inc.
- Jack Ketterer — Administrator, Iowa Racing And Gaming Commission
- Steve Keech — President, AmTote International, Inc.
- Mike Kintner — Casino Marketing Manager, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino
- Hank Mills — Arizona Steward, Canterbury Steward and this year's Presiding Steward for Minnesota
2006 Speakers
- Geoff Andres — Vice President and General Manager, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Resort
- Gibson Carothers — Writer and Marketing Consultant
- Richard Castro — President, Pari-Mutuel Employees Guild Local 280
- Dr. Jennifer Durenberger — Associate veterinarian for NYRA
- Mary Forney — Director of Operations, Thoroughbred Owners of California
- Victor Harrison — Director of North American Sales, United Tote
- Mike Hilliard — Racing Secretary, Phoenix Greyhound Park
- Marsha Kelly — President, Kelly Media Consulting, Inc.
- Tom Robbins — Director of Racing, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
- Dr. Scott Stanley — Associate Professor, University of California
- Steve Sexton — President, Churchill Downs Racetrack
- Dave Sitton — Vice President for Clear Channel Communication's, University of Arizona Rugby Coach and Tucson Chamber Commerce Man of the Year
- Clay Sparks — Trainer
- Dr. Scot Waterman — Executive Director, Racing Medication & Testing Consortium
- Pamela White — Senior Manager, Media & Sponsorships, NTRA