Industry leaders from racing offices nationwide will convene on Monday, Dec. 7, for the 6th Annual Racing Secretary Summit, held during the Global Symposium on Racing. This collaborative session aims to tackle the various challenges, opportunities, and strategic decisions that will impact racing operations in the coming years. Discussion topics include foal crop size, horse availability, field sizes, scheduling, racing programs, recruiting and retaining horsemen, and evolving preferences of racing fans. Leading the workshops are seasoned racing executives Mike Lakow, Rick Hammerle, Ben Huffman, Martin Panza, Pat Pope, and Tom Robbins.
A highlight of this year’s Summit is the chance for participating racetracks to receive a complimentary, tailored analysis of their horse population. InCompass Solutions, Equibase, and Wilson Shirley will supply detailed, track-specific data that teams can use to review current horse demographics, spot emerging trends, and gain a clearer understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities. To benefit from this personalized report, racetracks must register for the Summit by Wednesday, Oct. 21, ensuring enough time for thorough data preparation. Trainers will also join the conversations to provide insights from the horsemen’s viewpoint, highlighting factors that influence decisions on where and when owners and trainers opt to race.
“The Racing Secretary Summit has consistently served as a platform where racing office leaders can candidly discuss the daily issues they face,” said Robert Hartman, Chair of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. “This year, we’re enhancing that dialogue by equipping attendees with data specific to their own operations, which they can leverage when planning their future racing programs.” Hartman also acknowledged RTIP alumni Rick Hammerle, Martin Panza, and Chris Dobbins for their vital contributions in shaping this year’s agenda. “Their experience has been critical in developing a program that truly addresses the pressing concerns racing offices confront today,” he added.
The 6th Annual Racing Secretary Summit is part of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Global Symposium on Racing. For more details and to register, visit www.RacingSymposium.com. Stay updated via social media using #RacingSymposium.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on Sep 25, 2026, in the News section. You can add Paulick Report as a preferred source by clicking here.
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Fan Take: This news is a promising sign that the horse racing industry is focusing on data-driven solutions to tackle ongoing challenges, which is crucial for the sport’s sustainability. By involving both racing office leaders and horsemen in these discussions, the Summit could lead to strategic improvements that benefit everyone involved, from the stables to the fans.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
