TUESDAY, December 9
7:00-8:00 am | Catalina Ballroom
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
8:00-8:30 am | Salon A&B
Welcome Remarks
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
8:30-9:30 am | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
9:45-10:45 am | Salon A&B
The Sustainability Algorithm: Balancing CAW Growth with Racing's Long-Term Health
The pari-mutuel landscape has fundamentally shifted. Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) and high-frequency betting algorithms now compete alongside traditional handicappers in North America's racing pools, creating unprecedented challenges for the sport's sustainability and its relationship with everyday horseplayers. While professional betting has always existed in racing, today's CAW operations process thousands of wagers per second, leveraging sophisticated algorithms and rebate structures that can fundamentally alter market dynamics. This technological evolution raises critical questions: Are current market structures serving all participants fairly? How do rebating programs affect pool integrity and the betting experience for recreational players? What guardrails, if any, should racing operators implement?
- David O’Rourke – President & CEO, The New York Racing Associatio
- Maury Wolff – Retired Professional Gambler
- Dr. Marshall Gramm – Professor of Economics, Rhodes College
- Moderator: Pat Cummings – Executive Director, National Thoroughbred Alliance (NTA)
10:45-11:45 am | Salon A&B
Building the Future of Racing: Major Construction Projects Transforming America’s Tracks
From New York to Maryland to Kentucky, a wave of ambitious construction projects is redefining the landscape of American horse racing. This panel brings together industry leaders at the forefront of these efforts to share how strategic design decisions, innovative fan experiences, sustainability initiatives, and cutting-edge amenities are shaping the tracks of tomorrow. Panelists will also explore the financial blueprints behind these developments, from public-private partnerships and municipal bond financing to the role of historical horse racing (HHR) machines in turning visionary plans into reality.
- Todd Gralla – Director of Equestrian Services, Populous
- Bill Knauf – President & General Manager, The Maryland Jockey Club Inc.
- Larry Lucas – Chairman, Revolutionary Racing
- Andrew Offerman – Sr. Vice President of Racing & Operations, The New York Racing Association
- Moderator: Alan Foreman – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations, Inc.
Noon-1:00 pm | Kiva Ballroom
Luncheon, Awards and Presentations
1:15-2:30 pm | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
1:15-3:00 pm | Executive Boardroom
International Tote Protocol Meeting
2:45-4:00 pm | Salon A&B
Riding Together: Supporting Mental Wellness in Racing
The pressures of horse racing extend far beyond the track. Long hours, physical risk, intense competition, and emotional demands take a heavy toll on the mental well-being of jockeys, trainers, grooms, and all industry professionals. This candid, solutions-focused panel brings together industry voices and mental health advocates to explore these challenges, share personal journeys, and highlight resources for support. Innovative programs like Horses For Mental Health harness the healing power of horses to provide therapeutic care and emotional support. Panelists will address stigma, access to care, and strategies to foster a healthier, more compassionate culture within the sport and beyond.
- Trevor McCarthy – Retired Professional Jockey
- Sally Mixon – Executive Director, Abijah’s Hope
- Tasha Saunders – VP of Operations, OnRise
- Lynn Thomas – Co-Founder/President, Horses for Mental Health
- Moderator: Bailey Armour – Marketing Manager, 1/ST Technology
4:00-4:50 pm | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
5:00-6:00 pm | Exhibit Area
Evening Networking Reception
WEDNESDAY, December 10
7:00-8:00 am | Catalina Ballroom
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
7:00-8:00 am | Ventana Room
Prayer Breakfast
Hosted by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America
8:00-8:30 am | Salon A&B
Welcome
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
RTIP Senior Capstone Presentations
- Nathan Klein – RTIP Student
8:15-8:45 am | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
8:45-9:15 am | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
9:15-10:15 am | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
10:30-11:30 am | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
11:30 am-12:30 pm | Salon A&B
Strength in Numbers: Innovative Approaches to Boosting U.S. Thoroughbred Breeding
As the Thoroughbred foal crop continues to decline across the United States, the numbers outside of Kentucky are particularly alarming, with many states experiencing steep and unsustainable drops in breeding activity. This panel brings together diverse voices from across the industry to confront these challenges head-on and explore bold, practical solutions. From innovative incentive programs to policy reforms, the discussion will highlight models that can reinvigorate regional breeding programs. Special focus will be given to multi-state efforts, including case studies in the midwest and southwest that demonstrate how collaboration across regulatory lines could create new opportunities and reverse downward trends. Attendees will gain insight into how unified efforts, smart incentives, and out-of-the-box thinking can help secure the future of Thoroughbred breeding and racing across the country.
- Harris Auerbach – Managing Partner, Auerbach Racing
- Jamie Haydon – Deputy Executive Director, The Jockey Club
- Diana McClure – Board Member, Virginia Thoroughbred Association
- Mike Tanner – Executive Vice President & CEO, United States Trotting Association
- Ismael Trejo – Executive Director, New Mexico Racing Commission
- Moderator: Paul Ryneveld – Director, Horse Racing Alberta & Co-Founder, 10Acres Solutions
12:30 -1:45 pm | Ventana Room
Mentor Luncheon (by invitation)
1:45-2:45 pm | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
2:45-3:45 pm | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
3:45-4:45 pm | Salon A&B
Session Name
Description
- Name – Title, Company
- Moderator: Name – Title, Company
5:00-6:00 pm | Exhibit Area
Closing Reception
Agenda subject to change