University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program | Horse Racing Free Tips

Incoming NTRA President Rooney To Keynote Global Symposium On Racing

In his first formal address to the racing industry since being named to succeed Alex Waldrop as president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, former U.S. Congressman Thomas J. (Tom) Rooney be the keynote speaker at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's 47th annual Global Symposium on Racing in Tucson, Ariz., on Dec. 7.

Rooney is expected to share his vision, outline the industry's most pressing needs, and discuss advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., where the NTRA will, for the first time, establish an office.

During his time in Congress, Rooney focused on economic, agricultural, and national security issues. He is also a Thoroughbred owner and breeder. Rooney brings this expertise to his new role by promoting the welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through legislative and regulatory efforts. Rooney is committed to growing the popularity of racing by supporting fan engagement and corporate partner initiatives.

The Global Symposium on Racing will kick off on Dec. 6 with a pre-conference discussion on race track surfaces, a racing secretary summit and an NHC Handicapping Contest workshop.

Following Rooney's keynote address on Dec. 7, several presentations will be made relative to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, followed by a forward-looking panel discussion by racing executives (Keeneland's Shannon Arvin, 1/ST Racing's Aidan Butler, NYRA's David O'Rourke and Del Mar's Josh Rubinstein).

The Dec. 8 finale will see discussions on fixed odds wagering, sports betting and how field size increases a racetrack's bottom line.

The full agenda and registration information can be found here.

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Vercruysse, Lugo To Host Paddock Show During Arizona Downs Meet

The return of horse racing at Arizona Downs gets an added dose of excitement with longtime racing analyst Aaron Vercruysse agreeing to serve as paddock host during the 2021 summer race season.

Vercruysse hosts the nationally syndicated “Post Time Radio” show and previously served as the on-air host and race analyst at Santa Anita Park in California. The University of Arizona graduate will be joined as the track's paddock host by current U of A student and Arizona Downs intern Giselle Lugo.

“I am such a big fan of Arizona Downs and what this track means for the future of Arizona horse racing, I was ecstatic when I was asked to do this,” Vercruysse said. “I'm very happy and excited to be part of the return of racing here.”

Vercruysse, who began his horse racing career as an intern with the Stronach Group and rose to the executive ranks, said he was also drawn to the position thanks to the role of track general manager Mike Weiss, a longtime supporter of the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. That relationship resulted in Lugo landing an internship with the track. An Arizona native, she is an animal science and law major who is on the Dean's List and previously served in an internship at Rillito Park in Tucson.

“The work Mike does with the school is such a positive influence and this is a way to give back,” he said. “It's important for these students to get hands-on experience and learn the industry as they find what it is they want to do.”

Verycruysse will provide analysis of races every Tuesday and Wednesday for the race season which lasts through September. His radio show can be heard locally at 8 a.m. Saturdays on Fox Sports 910.

Arizona Downs is being managed this season by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a leader in the gaming, racing and entertainment industry.

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Arizona Downs Names Weiss General Manager

Michael Weiss, a longtime racing industry professional with deep ties to Arizona horse racing, has been named the new General Manager at Arizona Downs. Weiss will lead preparations to restore the track and operate the 2021 return of live racing to the Prescott Valley facility. He most recently served as General Manager of Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson and is well-known for pioneering the PRISE educational program for the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. He is also a former student in the RTIP and currently serves as a career advisor to program graduates.

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to efforts to save Arizona horse racing because I truly believe it is worth saving,” Weiss said. “I look forward to rebuilding the team at Arizona Downs and assembling a safe environment for horsemen and a memorable experience for fans.”

Weiss's hiring comes at a pivotal time for horse racing in the state, as the Arizona Senate is now considering a bill to modernize wagering at horse tracks and OTBs. Senate Bill 1794 would bring more than $300 million in capital investment to Arizona horse racing, including a new track at Arizona Downs, while generating more than $100 million in new state tax revenues.

Live racing returns to Arizona Downs June 1, with a 1:30 p.m. post time, and racing will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 15.

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University Of Arizona Seeks New Chair For Race Track Industry Program

The University of Arizona School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking an individual to lead the school's Race Track Industry Program.

Wendy Davis, current director, is not returning to lead a program whose graduates include Thoroughbred trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher, New York Racing Association senior vice president Martin Panza and countless others in staff and managements positions throughout the racing and gaming industries.

Specifically, the university is seeking to fill the position for an assistant or associate professor of practice and to chair the Race Track Industry Emphasis program, one of four emphases in the Animal Science Bachelor's degree.

A job description estimates that 50% of the position's time will be spent on instruction, with 40% on administration (budgeting, organizing the annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming, maintaining revenues that fund the program), and 10% on service (local and national committees, and professional societies).

A master's degree is included among the minimum requirements, in addition to having demonstrated success in one area of the racing industry for at least 10 years.

Internships in coordination with Rillito racetrack in Tucson, Ariz., will continue, according to Michael Weiss, the track's general manager who created the Paribet Racetrack Industry Student Experience that fills racetrack jobs with students from the Race Track Industry Program.

Click here for more information.

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