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Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Time: scheduled for 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
The 2015 Pan American Conference commences in remarkable fashion as attendees are welcomed at the United Nations, an iconic New York and global landmark. Guests will be treated to a taste of international culture and history at the site of the foremost organization dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress and human rights. This unique environment will set the stage for the objectives and themes of the 2015 Pan American Conference.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Day 1, Business Program of 2015 Pan American Conference, Grand Hyatt New York
Time: scheduled for 8:30 – 4:30 pm
The Grand Hyatt New York in midtown Manhattan will serve as the Conference venue for the 2-day business program of the 2015 Pan American Conference. The business program commences Thursday June 4, 2015.
Breakfast, Day 1 – sponsored by Woodbine Entertainment Group
Time: scheduled for 7:30 – 8:30am
Welcome & Introduction
Time: scheduled for 8:30 – 8:40am
Tom Durkin will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Business Program of the Pan Am Conference. Ogden Mills Phipps, chairman of The Jockey Club, will introduce the Conference, its topics and objectives.
Horse Racing & Breeding in the Americas: A Global View
Time: scheduled for 8:45 – 9:10am
Alex Waldrop, CEO & President of the NTRA will deliver an overview of the North American and South American regions in relation to global racing and breeding, with a high-level look at the current landscape of racing in South America, including challenges, solutions, and opportunities.
Globalization of the Breed: Importance of the North American and South American regions
Time: scheduled for 9:15 – 10:15am
Industry stakeholders from both North America and South America examine the current approach to importing and exporting bloodstock among the regions and throughout the world and the role globalization plays. Keeneland Associate Director of Sales, Tom Thornbury leads a panel that includes Chauncey Morris (KTA-KTOB), Adrian Mansergh–Wallace (Coolmore America - Ashford Stud), Julio Menditeguy (Haras Abolengo), and international journalist Diego Mitagstein.
Coffee Break sponsored by Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association
Time: scheduled for 10:15 – 10:30am
Creating Opportunities When Facing Challenges to Racing
Time: scheduled for 10:30 – 11:10am
Racetrack executives Carlo Rossi Soffia and Jim Lawson will touch upon challenges experienced in their careers in racing, specifically as it relates to streams of revenue. Mr Rossi and Mr Lawson will detail methods and strategies used to secure long term models working with local & national governments. Attorney and longtime owner and breeder, José Nelson will serve as moderator.
The Pattern System
Time: scheduled for 11:15 – 12:15pm
The pattern system is a critical component to race planning and assessment, and plays a vital role to the decision making of almost every industry stakeholder. Experts will discuss the grading and framework of races in their region and efforts undertaken to maintain a level of consistency, both locally and worldwide. Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh, will lead this panel discussion. Participants include Bill Nader (Hong Kong Jockey Club), Tom Thornbury (Keeneland), Andy Schweigardt (TOBA & American Graded Stakes Committee), and Ricardo Ravagnani (ABCPCC).
British Racing’s Equine Anti–Doping Rules: An Update
Time: scheduled for 12:20 – 12:35pm
Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority Nick Rust discusses the BHA's Equine Anti-Doping Rules, which include a zero-tolerance approach to anabolic steroids. Mr Rust will give an overview of adherence to the Equine Anti-Doping Rules, which applies to any connections of a racehorse which is either born in Great Britain or is intended to race or be imported into Great Britain.
Presentation and Address from Xavier Hürstel, président–directeur général of the PMU
Time: scheduled for 1:45 – 2:00pm
Xavier Hürstel, président-directeur général of the PMU, will address the Pan American Conference attendees on international simulcasting and PMU's innovations in distributing French racing.
Connecting with Your Customer: Innovations in Sport and Racing
Time: scheduled for 2:05 – 3:05pm
Modern day technology and mathematics can increasingly be the springboard for a number of innovative tools and products to serve customers in both racing and sport. These cutting edge approaches can both accommodate current consumers and attract new participants who are tech and data savvy. CEO of Longitude LLC, leads a panel discussion that includes Bill Squadron, Executive Vice President, Global Strategy, of STATS, LLC, and Pat Cummings, Director of Racing Information for Trakus.
Coffee Break sponsored by Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association
Time: scheduled for 3:05 – 3:20pm
Delivering International Racing and Content to Bettors & Fans
Time: scheduled for 3:20 – 4:20pm
Fans of horse racing are no longer constrained to local and regional racing and have a desire to view and bet on races worldwide. What approaches are racing authorities undertaking to serve this demand - in product, betting, and distribution?
Martin Panza senior vice president of racing operations for the New York Racing Association moderates a panel that includes Mike Rogers, president of The Stronach Group`s Racing and Gaming Division, Brent Dolan, operations director of Totepool at Betfred.
Guillermo Liberman, delivers the keynote address of the first day of the Pan American Conference, with an outlook on the current and future landscape of racing in South America.
Boat Tour on New York Harbor & Dinner, co–organized with NYRA
Time: scheduled for 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Enjoy a three-hour tour of "The Big Apple" on a privately chartered boat, with panoramic views of the city and a world-class dining experience. Buses available from Grand Hyatt, departing promptly at 6:00pm and returning at 10:30pm
Friday, June 5, 2015
Day 2, Business Program of 2015 Pan American Conference, Grand Hyatt New York
Time: scheduled for 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
The Grand Hyatt New York in midtown Manhattan will serve as the Conference venue for the 2-day business program of the 2015 Pan American Conference. Day 2 of the business program commences Friday June 5, 2015.
Breakfast, Day 2 – sponsored by Daily Racing Form
Time: scheduled for 7:30 – 8:30am
Welcome Address and Introduction
Time: scheduled for 8:30 – 8:35am
Latin American Jockeys: A Worldwide Phenomenon
Time: scheduled for 8:40 – 9:30am
Current and former jockeys from Central and South America discuss the important issues that face riders from the region when plying their trade domestically and internationally and their overall importance to racing both regionally and globally. Dr. Rita Rocca from HRU, Maroñas will moderate a world-class panel including hall-of-famer Chris McCarron, John Velazquez, and Ramon Dominguez.
Integración de la Hípica con otros deportes Profesionales una visión desde Sudamérica
Time: scheduled for 9:35 – 9:45am
(Integration and parallels of horse racing with other professional sports; a vision from South America)
Carlos Heller Solari, president of Club Hípico de Santiago, president of premier football team, Club Universidad de Chile, and a leading breeder and owner in Chile and now North America (Haras Don Alberto) will deliver a presentation examining the global nature of racing, breeding, and parallels with other professional sports in South America.
Q&A with NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern
Time: scheduled for 10:00 – 10:40am
A conversation with NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern focused on the global growth and success of the NBA during his tenure – and its potential relevance to Thoroughbred racing. Ben Vonwiller, partner at McKinsey & Company, will moderate the discussion with Mr. Stern.
Longines Positioning System
Time: scheduled for 10:45 – 11:00am
Juan-Carlos Capelli, vice president and head of international marketing for Longines and Alain Zobrist, CEO of Swiss Timing, will detail the recently announced Longines Positioning System, a game-changing development for timekeeping and tracking technology in Thoroughbred racing.
Enhancing the Racing Customer Experience
Time: scheduled for 11:05 – 12:20pm
Leading global racing executives examine the strategies and methods used to deliver information and data to the 21st century bettor and fan, leveraging new technologies, and enhancing the on-track and off-track experience. Richard Cheung, executive director, customer and marketing, of the Hong Kong Jockey Club leads a panel that features John Hartig, chairman & CEO of Sports Information Group / Daily Racing Form LLC; Kip Levin, CEO of U.S. at Betfair Group PLC; and Matthew Imi, chief executive of At The Races.
Media Announcement
Time: scheduled for 12:25 – 12:35pm
The Pan American Conference will be the site of an important digital media announcement.
The International Fight Against Doping in Sports
Time: scheduled for 1:45 – 2:25pm
David Howman, who has served as director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2003, will share insights on the creation of the World Anti-Doping Code and the organization’s successful efforts in bringing international consistency to anti-doping policies and regulations .
Global Measures to Racing Integrity
Time: scheduled for 2:30 – 2:50pm
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Chairman Louis Romanet will deliver insights on why medication reform matters is an issue not only at the local level but at the global stage. Mr Romanet will detail past and current efforts of the federation, including a global program to certify laboratories at the highest proficiency levels.
Reforming Medication Rules: Approaches in South America
Time: scheduled for 2:50 – 3:10pm
Dr. Mayra Frederico, equine veterinarian, and manager of the races at Jockey Club Brasileiro, will deliver an overview of the medication reform efforts in South America, specifically on the gradual elimination of race-day medication.
Reforming Medication Rules: Approaches in North America
Time: scheduled for 3:10 – 3:30pm
Stuart S. Janney III, vice-chairman of The Jockey Club will give an overview of the progress and present challenges to medication reform efforts in North America.
Horse Welfare: A Sustainable Model to Ensure Aftercare for Racehorses
Time: scheduled for 3:45 – 4:15pm
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) serves as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and as a fund-raising body to support these approved facilities. Executive Director Stacie Clark-Rogers details the TAA's inception, accreditation process, and fund-raising and distribution model - and how TAA can serve as a model worldwide.
Frank Stronach, founder and honorary chairman of The Stronach Group, will deliver a keynote address to the attendees of the Pan American Conference.
Outlook from OSAF
Time: scheduled for 4:45 – 4:55pm
Carlos Palermo, president of OSAF and president of Jockey Club Brasileiro will address attendees of the Pan American Conference on behalf of the federation.
Conclusions & Closing Address of the Pan American Conference
Time: scheduled for 4:55 – 5:00pm
Executives from Conference co-organizers Latin American Racing Channel and The Jockey Club (USA) will conclude the business program with a high-level summary including short-term and long-term action items.
Gala Dinner and Official Belmont Stakes & Grayson–Jockey Club Charity Celebration at Cipriani 42nd Street, sponsored by Longines
Time: scheduled for 7:00pm to 11:00pm
The official Belmont Stakes and Grayson-Jockey Club Charity Celebration at Cipriani 42nd Street serves as the gala dinner for the 2015 Pan American Conference, bringing together Belmont Stakes officials, owners, jockeys, guests, and conference attendees.
At the gala dinner of the Conference, presentation will made be of the 2015 Longines & IFHA International Award of Merit.
Cipriani 42nd Street is the ideal setting for this elegant and prestigious occasion that celebrates the 147th Belmont Stakes and 2015 Pan American Conference, while also benefiting the preeminent non-profit equine charitable organization dedicated to advance of horses of all breeds, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Belmont Stakes, hospitality sponsored by AmTote International
Time: scheduled for 10:30am to 7:30pm
The 2015 Pan American Conference will conclude with the running of the 147th Belmont Stakes. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to be at one of the United States’ premier racetracks for one of its most historic races. Registered attendees of the Pan American Conference will view the race in an exclusive hospitality area at Belmont Park.
The Belmont Stakes concludes the running of the American Triple Crown for 3-year-olds and has been host to some of the greatest spectacles in racing.
Secretariat’s 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes established the world record for a mile and a half on dirt at 2:24. With his win in the Belmont, he became the ninth horse to capture the Triple Crown.
A crowd of 120,139, the largest in New York Racing history, attended the 2004 running, hoping to see Smarty Jones become racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner. Birdstone won; Smarty Jones finished second.
Twenty-nine horses have been eligible to win the Triple Crown coming into the Belmont Stakes and 11 have succeeded. In seven recent runnings, horses that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness (Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, Charismatic in 1999, War Emblem in 2002, Funny Cide in 2003, Smarty Jones in 2004, and California Chrome in 2014) were denied racing immortality in the Belmont Stakes. Racing has not seen a Triple Crown champion since 1978, when Affirmed swept the three-race series.
Belmont Stakes day will be the anchor of a race card featuring some of the most prestigious races in North America and will offer prize money rivaled only by the premier race days throughout the world.
Information about the Belmont Stakes provided by belmontstakes.com