Racing’s success tales, drug enforcement by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, sports activities advertising and marketing methods, and Thoroughbred aftercare had been spotlighted throughout morning classes Dec. 11 on the International Symposium on Racing in Tucson, Ariz.
The morning panels of the symposium, hosted by the College of Arizona’s Race Monitor Business Program, started positively with “Racing’s Success Tales—The Yr in Evaluation.” 4 audio system joined RTIP chair Robert Hartman to highlight current successes and improvements throughout the equine trade.
Brien Bouyea, communications director for the Nationwide Museum of Racing and Corridor of Fame, mentioned modernization and renovation that started there in 2020, together with interactive displays. Info on its members of the Corridor of Fame, a few of whom stay lively, has benefited from new expertise and graphics. “We will replace this on a regular basis and hold all the things leading edge,” he advised the viewers.
Tom Cassidy, trade relations senior supervisor for FanDuel, adopted him on stage and mirrored on FanDuel’s integration of racing inside their sportsbook wagering app. He famous that multiple million sports activities prospects have wager racing by way of the app, 200,000 of whom wager racing for the primary time on the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Annise Montplaisir, govt director of Amplify Horse Racing, shared their impression with engagement with nationwide mentorship packages, instructional excursions, networking alternatives, and digital outreach.
“This 12 months alone, Amplify Horse Racing instantly reached over 28,000 people. That is 28,000 potential future followers, homeowners, breeders and workers. So extra importantly, it’s 28,000 the reason why the way forward for the trade seems brighter than ever,” she stated in her opening remarks.
Michael Behrens, founder and CEO of MyRacehorse, closed out the panel, noting the fractional horse possession partnership has facilitated the sale of 750,000 shares to 80,000 individuals.
Along with having a horse compete in Australia’s Melbourne Cup (G1) this 12 months, the partnership was represented in 2024 in the USA by Straight No Chaser capturing the Breeders’ Cup Dash (G1) and Seize the Gray successful the Preakness Stakes (G1). Following the latter’s victory within the second leg of the Triple Crown, “The publicity was ridiculous,” Behrens stated.
Fueled by followers watching at residence who noticed the success of MyRacehorse homeowners within the Preakness, Behrens stated the group rapidly added “6,000 individuals who’ve by no means owned a racehorse earlier than, because of individuals watching it on TV, coming to the platform, seeing a horse obtainable, and getting their dream began on racehorse possession.”
Panels titled “The HIWU Testing Technique: A Peek Behind the Curtain,” “Unlocking the Successful Playbook: Driving Progressive Sports activities Advertising Methods, and “Securing the Way forward for America’s Retired Racehorses: Methods, Success Tales, and Sustainable Options” adopted earlier than the noon lunch break.
Writer Ray Paulick of Paulick Report referenced a survey and presentation from RTIP pupil Aldo Zamora throughout a morning capstone presentation that confirmed a majority of surveyed horsemen had been dissatisfied with anti-doping and medicine management underneath HIWU and Horseracing Integrity and Security Authority guidelines. He requested HIWU representatives to touch upon the notion that HIWU is catching therapeutic remedy violations however not catching cheaters.
2024 International Symposium on Racing
HIWU Testing Technique
(L-R): Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit representatives Kate Mittelstadt, Shaun Richards, Dr. Mary Scollay, and moderator Dr. Jeff Blea on the International Symposium on Racing
Shaun Richards, HIWU’s director of intelligence and technique, and Dr. Mary Scollay, its chief of science, each replied that it takes time to research leads and to develop essential testing when coping with a novel substance.
Scollay, different HISA officers, and Dr. Jeff Blea, equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, inspired collaboration with HIWU to learn rule adjustments and enforcement.
“On the finish of the day, it is a partnership,” Scollay stated. “All of us need this sport to succeed. We wish it to flourish.”