The annual TRA-HTA simulcasting conference is next on the racing schedule, starting next Monday at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, NY

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More than 250 racing executives are expected to attend, and TRA’s executive vice president Chris Scherf and his associate Jane Murray have planned an agenda with a different twist. “This year, we’re really trying to include fan opinion too,” Murray says, “seeking to know what fans look for in simulcasting and what their concerns are when visiting a track.”

A panel including Arlington Park president Roy Arnold, Sam Houston Park executive vice president Eric Johnston, and Christiansen Capital Advisers Eugene Christiansen will discuss current economic challenges facing racing.

Another, with USTA trotting registrar Janet Terhune; Thoroughbred Owners of California director of operations Mary Forney; Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders executive Andy Schweigardt; and Pat Placito of Finger Lakes racetrack near Rochester, NY, will address the issue of available horse population and its effects and impact on racing.

Trot Magazine's Darryl Kaplan is part of a four-person panel on social media along with Jessica Chapel of BreedersCup360.com, Dan Silver of the New York Racing Association and Seth Merrow of Equidaily.

Side trips to Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, the Thoroughbred National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Saratoga Race Course are planned as part of the symposium.

On Friday's episode of Trot Radio, host Norm Borg talks to Chris Scherf about simulcasting in today's racing environment and the upcoming conference.

(with files from HTA)