National HBPA Conference Panels March 4-6 to Include AI, Prediction Markets, Horsemen as Racetrack Owners

Artificial intelligence on the track and the emerging threats of prediction markets and wagering are among the salient topics to be discussed at the National HBPA Conference March 3-7 in Hot Springs, Ark., at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.

Conference agenda

Other topics include reimagining racetrack ownership led by horsemen and participants; update on the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act (HISA); strengthening horse racing’s integrity with increased education and collaboration among officials and investigators; and building pathways to second careers for retired racehorses.

“Each year, we strive to take a deep dive into the serious issues facing racing while also showcasing innovation that already is making a difference,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (NHBPA). “Our goal is to be a conference that isn’t just reactive to challenges but serves as an early warning about emerging threats to our industry. We also want to show our affiliates and horsemen ways to improve on the good work already being done.

“We are in the midst of the AI revolution, whether we like it or not, and horsemen and their leaders must be informed and prepared. Meanwhile, there has been precious little talk about the impact of the prediction markets, which do an end-run around regulated gambling, including sports betting. The conference also seeks to highlight the positives about our great industry. In that regard, we have a couple more special presentations that will be announced soon.”

A look at the panel discussions March 4-6:

Artificial Intelligence on the Track: Smart Tech for Racing’s Next Frontier — AI isn’t coming to horse racing; it’s already here, reshaping how information is interpreted and decisions are made. The panel, moderated by longtime industry executive Sal Sinatra, will explore real-world applications of AI in racing, from improving condition-book creation to enhancing safety tracking and delivering richer handicapping data. Panelists: John Julia, horse owner and board member of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association with an extensive background in technology and AI systems; Horse Racing Nation founder Mark Midland; Equibase president Kyle McDoniel, and veteran racing secretary and track executive Rick Hammerle.

Prediction Markets and Wagering: An Emerging Threat to Horse Racing and Interstate Horseracing Act — These exchange-style platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket — which allow participants to trade contracts on the outcome of future events — are expanding rapidly beyond politics and mainstream sports into broader wagering ecosystems. Moderated by SIS Content Services vice president Michele Fischer, the panel will unpack the fundamental differences between established race wagering and emerging prediction-market models, and why those differences matter to horsemen and industry revenue flows. Panelists: Thoroughbred owner Peter “Holt” Gardiner; Jason Johnston, sportsbook manager for WarHorse Gaming LLC in Nebraska; Ohio HBPA executive director Dave Basler, and Dennis Drazin, chairman & CEO, Darby Development/Monmouth Park Racetrack.

Reimagining Racetrack Ownership: A Future Led by Horsemen and Participants —Chaired by retired Virginia HBPA executive director Frank Petramalo, the session will explore a forward-looking model in which racetracks are owned, governed and meaningfully controlled by the participants who sustain the sport, such as exists in Nebraska. Panelists: Lonny Powell, CEO, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association; prominent trainer and owner Kenny McPeek; Nebraska HBPA executive director Lynne McNally, and Louisiana HBPA executive director Ed Fenasci.

HISA: Law, Litigation, and the View from the Inside Rail —  A comprehensive and candid examination of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) as it stands today — legally, practically and from the perspective of those most directly affected. Panelists: Ed Martin, CEO of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI); attorney Daniel Suhr, lead counsel in the National HBPA’s lawsuit challenging HISA’s constitutionality; horse owner Brent Malmstrom, who is challenging in court the HISA Authority’s specific actions against certain trainers. Moderator: equine attorney Peter Sacopulos.

Strengthening Integrity Through Education, Support and Collaboration: ROAP & ORI — Presentation focuses on the critical role that education, collaboration and properly resourced oversight play in maintaining integrity and consistency in horse-racing regulation, centering on the importance of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) and Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI). Panelists: security expert Don Ahrens of Penn Entertainment and the Breeders’ Cup; The Jockey Club senior counsel Kristin Werner; Jason Klouser, director of enforcement for the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission; and ROAP board member Frank Lamb, a veteran senior executive on both the regulatory and track-management sides in Wyoming.

After the Finish Line: Building Pathways to Second Careers for Thoroughbreds — The HBPA Conference traditionally includes a session on utilizing racehorses after they leave the track. This panel will focus on the industry’s growing commitment to lifelong responsibility, traceability and seamless career transitions for Thoroughbreds. Panelists: The Jockey Club senior counsel Kristin Werner, Kirsten Green of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and Arkansas HBPA executive director Jeanette Milligan.

Other presentations and updates during the conference: Gunner laCour of the National HBPA sponsor CHRIMS, a non-profit organization specializing in technology solutions for the pari-mutuel gaming industry; Matt Delehanty of Sterling Thompson Equine and Godolphin’s Katie LaMonica on the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

The annual Kent Stirling Memorial Medication Panel will wrap up the educational sessions on Friday morning, March 6, followed by an afternoon at the races.

As previously announced, Everett Dobson, the new chair of The Jockey Club and a part-owner in the Oklahoma City Thunder, will deliver the keynote address at the Wednesday March 4 luncheon. Also at the awards luncheon, the recently retired Surprsinglyperfect will be honored as the National HBPA’s 2025 National Claiming Horse of the Year at age 11.

The conference kicks off Tuesday March 3 with an evening reception. The National HBPA executive committee will meet on Thursday March 5, with the full HBPA board and the National HBPA Foundation board convening Saturday March 7.

Those wanting to attend the conference must be registered in advance (deadline is Feb. 18). Media wishing to cover the conference should contact the National HBPA by emailing racing@hbpa.org.

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