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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY: The Racing & Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS) is pleased to announce that Steve Kornacki, Chief Data Analyst for NBC News and NBC Sports, will headline a featured session at this year’s conference, taking place August 10-12, 2026, at The Saratoga Hilton.
Kornacki will lead a compelling, numbers‑focused discussion titled “A Conversation with Steve Kornacki: Concentration, Competition and the Future of American Horse Racing,” scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 at 9:00 AM. This session will explore whether American horse racing is consolidating back into a modern “Sport of Kings,” dominated by a narrowing group of owners, trainers, and high‑volume bettors. The discussion will be with Patrick Brown, Conference Co‑Producer and Co‑Founder and Partner Emeritus, Brown Weinraub, PLLC.
Using the same rigorous analytical methods that have made him a trusted voice in election coverage and major sporting events, Kornacki will examine data trends across ownership, training, wagering, and breeding to assess how the sport has evolved over the past decade. The conversation will move beyond anecdote to address critical questions shaping the industry’s future, including:
- Whether ownership and success in major races are increasingly concentrated
- The dominance of top trainers in purse earnings and graded stakes
- The economics of wagering and the influence of sophisticated, high‑tech bettors
- How consolidation at the top may affect competitiveness and long‑term sustainability
- Potential reforms or innovations that could broaden access and participation
The 2026 RGCS will also feature expert panels, legislative roundtables, and timely discussions on the most pressing issues in racing and gaming, as well as networking events and a Day at the Races.
This year’s conference will include:
- Three sessions on the afternoon of Monday, August 10
- Six panels on Tuesday, August 11
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Three panels on the morning of Wednesday, August 12
- A Welcome Party on Monday evening at the historic Adelphi Hotel
- Twilight Racing Happy Hour at the Hilton on Tuesday
- A Day at the Races at the Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday afternoon (details coming soon)
Registration is now open! Early-bird rates are available for those who register before July 9. Additionally, a group room block is available at the Saratoga Hilton. Attendees are strongly encouraged to book early to secure their accommodation. To make reservations for our group rate at the Saratoga Hilton, click here.
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