Griffin Johnson, part owner of popular Sandman, will discuss his journey. (Griffin Johnson/X)
The Jockey Club Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.—The Jockey Club announced today the speakers for its 73rd Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, which will be held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. ET, following a networking breakfast that begins at 9 a.m. It will also be livestreamed on The Jockey Club’s website at jockeyclub.com.
Shawn Smeallie, founder of ACG Advocacy, will discuss the state of horse racing in Washington, D.C. Smeallie has extensive experience on Capitol Hill, with the Executive Branch, and in the private sector and, along with Tom Rooney of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and others, he was instrumental in passing favorable tax treatments for owners of Thoroughbreds in the recently passed tax bill. Smeallie was also active in helping to pass landmark legislation to bring anti-doping reform into horse racing.
A presentation examining scheduling data will be given by John Stewart, CEO, and Chris Groer, CPO, Fastbreak AI. Fastbreak AI helps optimize the business of sports through AI-driven scheduling, operations, and sponsorship solutions.
Steve Kornacki, a national political correspondent for NBC News who covers horse racing, including this year’s Triple Crown, will provide the keynote address for the first half of the two-part conference.
I couldn’t believe I actually got to sit and talk with D. Wayne Lukas yesterday. Absolutely unbelievably sharp at 88, precise recall of dates and numbers from decades ago. And getting to be at Pimlico as he takes down the Preakness is one of the best moments of my life. So… pic.twitter.com/cGdht6fPcs
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 18, 2024
Griffin Johnson, a social media influencer with more than 14 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and X, will discuss his journey and the role influencers can play in promoting horse racing with Shannon Kelly, director, Industry Relations, The Jockey Club. Johnson was introduced to horse racing as an owner through America’s Best Racing’s A Stake in Stardom campaign.
A panel featuring Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, environmental science advisor, New York Yankees, and Glen Kozak, executive vice president, Operations and Capital Projects, New York Racing Association Inc., will examine how sports and racing adapt to changes in weather. The panel will be moderated by James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club.
Everett Dobson, chair-elect of The Jockey Club, will be the second-half keynote speaker, and he will discuss his plans for the organization and The Jockey Club’s ongoing plans to help grow the sport.
The full agenda and bios of speakers will be posted on jockeyclub.com in advance of the conference.
The Jockey Club Round Table Conference was first held on July 1, 1953, in The Jockey Club office in New York City. The following year, it was moved to Saratoga Springs, New York. Each year, the conference features discussions on critical industry topics, including aftercare, equine safety, marketing, and national uniformity, as well as international perspectives and viewpoints from outside the Thoroughbred industry.
