The 2024 Global Symposium on Racing, hosted by the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program (RTIP), took place from December 9-11 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. This is a popular event as over 300 employees in the horse racing industry spend these days together, networking, making deals, attending panels, and imbibing in a drink or two.

Here is a summary of the key discussions and panels that the equine industry ‘experts’ discussed last week:

Opening and Keynote: The symposium commenced with welcoming remarks by University of Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, followed by a keynote address from Louis Cella, President of Oaklawn Park.

AI in Racing: A significant focus was on how Artificial Intelligence could transform the racing industry, with discussions on optimizing horse health, supporting fans, and advancing business operations through AI.

Hall of Fame Trainers: A special session titled “Champions. Challenges. Commitment.” featured a conversation with Hall of Fame trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher, both RTIP alumni, discussing the challenges of training champions while balancing personal life.

HISA Updates: Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), provided a forward-looking presentation on HISA’s goals for 2025, focusing on racetrack safety and anti-doping measures.

Racetrack Closures: A panel titled “Land For Sale. How Will Race Track Closures Impact the Industry’s Long-Term Sustainability?” discussed the financial pressures leading to track closures, the impact on affected constituencies, and strategies for the future amidst new competition from sports wagering and other industry challenges.

Equine Health and Biosecurity: Sessions covered strategies for disease prevention and control in equine populations, highlighting best practices and risk mitigation for track operators and trainers.

Handicapping and Betting: There were discussions on structuring handicapping contests to enhance bettor experience and boost revenue, and on how racing can collaborate with sports betting operators to expand reach and grow betting handle.

Future of Racing: Panels included insights from the next generation of racing leaders on investing in the sport’s future, and sessions on improving aftercare models for retired racehorses.

Marketing and International Perspectives: The agenda also included talks on cutting-edge sports marketing strategies for racing and insights from the global racing arena.

Workshops and Special Events: Pre-conference workshops for state regulators and stewards, along with various industry meetings, were held. The symposium also celebrated RTIP’s 50th anniversary with alumni events.

This symposium served as a critical platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and experts to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and innovation in horse racing.

Some experts in the industry were not impressed. Ray Paulick wrote: “I learned a little about a lot, but the only thing that really changed was the length of my patience. It’s running short.”

Is it just more of the ‘same ole, same ole?’  Read more from Paulick on his views of the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing.