Louisville equine program hosts free industry speaker series
The University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, with the support of Horse Racing Nation, on Wednesday announced a free speaker series open to the public focusing on current topics in the racing industry.
“It is important for our program to be a leader in bringing stakeholders together for open dialogues addressing the matters that affect our industry,” said EIP Director Sean Beirne. “Our goal is to bring experts to campus in a fun and engaging platform to educate our students, industry participants and the general public about topical issues.”
The 2019 Fall Equine Speaker Series is as follows:
Sept. 18 – The Business of Racetrack Surfaces: Delve into the business of the racetrack surfaces and what steps tracks take to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the horse. Experts include Mick Peterson, director of Agriculture Equine Programs at the University of Kentucky, an expert on the engineering of track surfaces; Jamie Richardson, track superintendent at Churchill Downs; and Michael Dickinson, trainer and creator of Tapeta Footings synthetic surface. Jim Mulvihill, senior director of betting information at Churchill Downs Inc. will moderate the panel.
Oct. 9 – An Evening with Tom Durkin: Eclipse Award of Merit track announcer Tom Durkin will discuss his illustrious career calling races. Durkin is known for his rich vocabulary as well as the humor and passion he brought to his race calls.
Nov. 13 – Sports Betting and Horse Racing: We take an in-depth look at the introduction of sports wagering in states and how racing can benefit and coexist with this new form of gaming. Bill Knauf, vice president of business operations for Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., will discuss how that state’s newly enacted sports wagering law has changed the park’s operations. State Rep. Adam Koenig (R-69), who plans to introduce a sports wagering bill in the Kentucky legislature, will discuss the bill and its goals.
All events are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. ET in Chao Auditorium in the lower level of Ekstrom Library on Louisville's Belknap Campus.
These are free but ticketed events with more information available by contacting Liz Young at liz.young@louisville.edu or (502) 852-7617.
An intense, four-year track, the Equine Industry Program gives students the professional skills they need to succeed in the horse industry covering equine economics, marketing and law, among other topics. Small class sizes are emphasized along with individualized advising.