Integrity, Horse Welfare & the Human Element in Racing will be Highlighted at the

Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY: The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS), will feature a timely and deeply relevant discussion titled “Integrity, Horse Welfare, and the Human Element in Racing.” As the sport continues to face heightened public scrutiny and evolving regulatory expectations, this panel brings together respected leaders to examine the full life cycle of racing, from backstretch labor conditions to equine aftercare and retirement.

The conference will be held August 10-12 at the Saratoga Hilton.

Horse racing’s long-term sustainability depends on protecting both equine athletes and the workforce that supports them. This session will explore emerging best practices in animal welfare, evolving labor standards, and the regulatory frameworks shaping oversight across jurisdictions. Panelists will also address how transparency, accountability, and modernized operational practices are essential to maintaining public trust among fans, regulators, wagering stakeholders and the general public.

This panel will be moderated by Chris Wittstruck, an Equine Attorney with the Standardbred Owners’ Association of New York. Panelists will include:

• Sally Jane Mixon, Founder/CEO, MA, LPCC; Canterbury Park Chaplain
• Joe Faraldo, President, Standardbred Owners Association of New York
• Annabelle Goese, Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) Owner; Chief of Staff, American Gaming Association
• Nancy Underwood, Executive Director, Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST)

This panel underscores RGCS’s mission to foster informed dialogue, elevate industry standards, and address the most pressing issues facing the racing and gaming sectors.

The conference will also feature NBC’s Steve Kornacki, who will headline a discussion called “Concentration, Competition and the Future of American Horse Racing.” Other session topics will include:

• Regulatory Modernization in U.S. Racing and HISA Update
• Downstate Casinos and the Future of Gaming in the Northeast
• Prediction Markets: Innovation or Regulatory and Legal Challenge?
• iGaming: Inevitable Innovation or Passing Fancy?
• The Economics of Horse Ownership
• Prop Bets, Point Shaving, and Game Integrity
• Regulation, Competition, and Conflicts in the Gaming Ecosystem
• The Future of Historical Horse Racing
• Can the $100/Week Bettor Compete with CAWs?
• A Bet Is a Bet … Or Is It?

SIGNATURE EVENTS

• Welcome Party at the historic Adelphi Hotel
• Twilight Racing Happy Hour
• A Day at the Races at Saratoga Race Course
• Conference coincides with the Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale

A DAY AT THE RACES

Immediately following the final panel on Wednesday, August 12

Registered attendees can add this always‑popular experience for just $75. Your Race Day package includes:

• Admission to the Saratoga Race Course
• Preferred seating in the popular Porch section — located on the track level of the Clubhouse, just feet from the outside rail
• Food & beverage credit
• Souvenir program book

Space is limited and will sell out! Reserve your Race Day spot today.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE, BUT FILLING FAST

A limited number of high‑visibility sponsorship opportunities remain. Organizations interested in elevating their presence at RGCS are encouraged to secure their package soon. See available sponsorship opportunities here.

HOTEL INFORMATION

This year’s conference coincides with “the crown jewel of the North American yearling sales calendar” – The Saratoga Sale – which features the finest of the North American yearling crop. This also means Saratoga will be bustling with visitors, so Attendees are strongly encouraged to book early.



If you have not yet secured your accommodations, a list of area hotels is as follows. Please note that the RGCS cannot guarantee availability.

Saratoga Hilton

Hampton Inn & Suites Saratoga Downtown

Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs

Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Casino Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Saratoga

RGCS Contacts:

Sponsorship information: Josh Faber 

Conference and registration questions: Jenna Wheeler

Media inquiries: Sherry Amos

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORS