The Jockey Club has announced the lineup of speakers for its 73rd Annual Roundtable Conference on horse racing, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31st, as detailed on jockeyclub.com. The event features notable voices such as NBC’s national political correspondent Steve Kornucky, who will deliver the keynote address during the first half of the conference, highlighting his coverage of the Triple Crown this year.
Shawn Smealie, founder of ACG Advocacy, will share insights on the current landscape of horse racing in Washington. He has recently played a vital role in helping establish a favorable tax framework for Pass Tax Building owners alongside Tom Rooney of the National Thoroughbred Race Association, with efforts spanning both government and private sectors. Smealie also contributed significantly to the enactment of pioneering anti-doping legislation for the sport.
CEO John Stewart and CPO Chris Groer from FastBreak AI will present data-driven analyses on scheduling, emphasizing how their AI technology supports enhanced operations, sponsorship, and scheduling optimization in the sports business.
Influencer Griffin Johnson, with a massive following of over 14 million on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and X, will discuss his journey and the potential impact social media influencers have in promoting horse racing. Johnson, known to racing fans as a part-owner through the Stardom campaign featured by America’s Best Racing, will be in conversation with Shannon Kelly, Jockey Club’s director.
The conference also includes a panel addressing how sports and racing adapt to climate change and weather shifts. This discussion will feature Dr. Allen Hirschkowitz, Environmental Science Advisor for the New York Yankees, and Glen Kozak, Executive VP of Operations and Capital Projects, hosted by James L. Galliano, President and COO of the Jockey Club.
In the second half of the conference, Jockey Club Chair Everett Dobson will outline the organization’s future initiatives aimed at growing the sport, highlighting ongoing projects and long-term strategies.
The full agenda and biographies of all speakers will be made available on jockeyclub.com prior to the event.
The Jockey Club Roundtable Conference, first convened in 1953, has historically served as a platform to address crucial industry topics such as horse welfare, marketing strategies, national standards, and global perspectives, making it a cornerstone event in the thoroughbred racing world.
This story was initially reported by Paulick Report on July 10, 2025.
Fan Take: The inclusion of diverse voices—from political advocates and AI experts to social media influencers—signals a fresh, forward-thinking approach to the future of horse racing. This conference could mark a pivotal moment for the sport, offering innovative solutions and new promotional avenues that may attract broader audiences and support the industry’s growth.
