Photograph: Justin Manning/Eclipse Sportswire
Synthetic intelligence on the observe, and new threats to prediction markets and playing are among the many subjects mentioned at this convention. Nationwide HBPA Convention It will likely be held from March third to seventh at Oak Garden in Sizzling Springs, Arkansas.
Different subjects embrace a jockey- and participant-led reimagining of racetrack possession, an replace on the Horse Racing Integrity and Security Act, strengthening the integrity of horse racing by means of training and elevated collaboration between officers and investigators, and making a path to a second profession for retired racehorses.
“Annually, we attempt to take a deep dive into the intense points dealing with horse racing, whereas additionally showcasing improvements which can be already making a distinction,” mentioned Eric Hamelbach, CEO of the Nationwide Horsemen’s Benevolent and Safety Affiliation. “Our objective is for the convention to not solely reply to challenges, but additionally function an early warning of rising threats to the trade. We additionally need to present our associates and Horsemen learn how to enhance on the great work already being finished.”
“Whether or not we prefer it or not, we’re within the midst of an AI revolution, and jockeys and their leaders should be knowledgeable and ready. In the meantime, treasured little has been mentioned in regards to the influence of prediction markets to bypass regulated playing, together with sports activities betting. The convention additionally seeks to focus on the positives of our nice trade, and in that regard, we might be saying a number of extra particular displays quickly.”
Panel dialogue from March 4th to sixth:
Synthetic intelligence on the observe: sensible expertise for racing’s subsequent frontier. AI won’t seem in horse racing. It is already right here, and it is reshaping the best way we interpret data and make selections. The panel, moderated by longtime trade government Sal Sinatra, will discover real-world functions of AI in racing, from enhancing situation e book creation to enhancing security monitoring and offering richer handicap knowledge. Panelists: John Julia, horse proprietor and director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Affiliation with a robust background in expertise and AI techniques. horse racing nation Founder Mark Midland. Kyle McDoniel, president of Equibase, and Rick Hammerle, a veteran horse racing secretary and racetrack government.
Prediction markets and betting: New threats to horse racing and interstate racing legal guidelines. Buying and selling-style platforms akin to Kalshi and Polymarket, which permit members to commerce contracts on the result of future occasions, are quickly increasing past politics and mainstream sports activities into the broader betting ecosystem. Moderated by Michele Fisher, Vice President of SIS Content material Companies, this panel will uncover the elemental variations between established race betting fashions and rising prediction market fashions, and why these variations matter to jockeys and the trade’s income streams. Panelists: Thoroughbred horse proprietor Peter “Holt” Gardiner. Jason Johnston, sportsbook supervisor at Warhorse Gaming in Nebraska. Ohio HBPA Govt Director Dave Bassler; Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Derby Growth Monmouth Park Racecourse.
Rethinking racetrack possession: A future led by jockeys and members. This session, chaired by Frank Petramaro, retired Govt Director of the Virginia HBPA, will discover a forward-looking mannequin, just like the one which exists in Nebraska, the place racetracks are owned, managed, and meaningfully managed by members who preserve them. Panelists: Ronnie Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and House owners Affiliation. Famend coach and proprietor Kenny McPeek. Nebraska HBPA Govt Director Lynn McNally and Louisiana HBPA Govt Director Ed Fenasi.
HISA: Legislation, litigation, and the view from contained in the rails. A complete and candid take a look at right this moment’s Horse Racing Equity and Security Act from the authorized, sensible, and perspective of these most immediately affected. Panelists: Ed Martin, CEO of the Worldwide Affiliation of Horse Racing Commissioners. Daniel Soule, lead legal professional within the nationwide HBPA case difficult the constitutionality of HISA. Horse proprietor Brent Malmstrom is difficult particular actions by HISA officers in opposition to sure trainers in courtroom. Host: Horse lawyer Peter Sakopoulos.
Enhancing integrity by means of training, help, and collaboration: ROAP and ORI. The presentation will deal with the significance of the Horse Racing Official Accreditation Program (ROAP) and the Group of Horse Racing Investigators (ORI), highlighting the vital position that training, cooperation and appropriately resourced oversight play in sustaining the integrity and consistency of horse racing regulation. Panelists: Penn Leisure and Breeders’ Cup safety professional Don Ahrens. Christine Werner, senior advisor to the Jockey Membership. Jason Crozer, Pennsylvania Horse Racing Board Govt Director. ROAP Board member Frank Lamb is a veteran senior government on each the regulatory and observe administration sides of Wyoming.
After the end line: Forging a path to a thoroughbred’s second profession. HBPA conferences historically embrace a session on the utilization of racehorses after they go away the racetrack. This panel will deal with the trade’s rising dedication to lifelong accountability, traceability, and seamless profession transitions for Thoroughbreds. Panelists: Jockey Membership Senior Advisor Kristin Werner, Retired Racehorse Challenge’s Kirsten Inexperienced, and Arkansas HBPA Govt Director Janet Milligan.
Different displays and updates in the course of the convention: Gunner laCour from nationwide HBPA sponsor CHRIMS, a nonprofit group specializing in expertise options for the pari-mutuel gaming trade; Matt Delehanty of Sterling Thompson Equine and Katie LaMonica of Godolphin talk about the Thoroughbred Trade Worker of the 12 months award.
The annual Kent Stirling Memorial Pharmaceutical Panel will conclude with an academic session within the morning on Friday, March sixth, adopted by racing within the afternoon.
As beforehand introduced, Everett Dobson, new president of the Jockey Membership and co-owner of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, would be the keynote speaker on the luncheon on Wednesday, March 4th. Additionally on the awards luncheon, not too long ago retired Surprisingly Good, 11 years outdated, might be honored because the Nationwide HBPA’s 2025 Nationwide Declare of the 12 months.
The convention begins with a reception on Tuesday night, March third. The Nationwide HBPA Govt Committee will meet on Thursday, March fifth, and the HBPA Basic Board and Nationwide HBPA Basis Board of Administrators will convene on Saturday, March seventh.
These wishing to take part within the convention should register upfront. The deadline is February 18th.
