Todd Gralla, principal at Populous, is set to be the keynote speaker at the 72nd annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, scheduled for August 1 at the Excelsior Springs Event Center in Saratoga Springs. Populous is a renowned global design firm that specialises in sports and entertainment venues, including stadiums, arenas, and urban spaces. In his address, Gralla will explore innovative racetrack projects worldwide and present insights into the redesign of Belmont Park, highlighting efforts to incorporate modern technology into racetrack operations while honouring the traditions of Thoroughbred racing.
Joe Asher, chair of the Wilson Center's board and former CEO of William Hill US as well as president of IGT's PlaySports division, will address the relationship between horse racing and sports betting. Meanwhile, Meghan Rodgers, senior vice president of Public Affairs for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), will provide an overview of the NTRA's "Safety Runs First" campaign.
Additionally, Gary Fenton, managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing and a member of The Jockey Club, will discuss the current state and future prospects of California racing. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for 1/ST Racing, will share advancements in enhancing athlete safety in California, including the integration of state-of-the-art technology at the racetrack.
The event will kick off with a presentation from James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club, offering an update on the organisation and its subsidiaries.