The first full day of the Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming started off with a keynote address from NYRA CEO and President Christopher Kay.

Kay discussed attracting new customer demographics, enhancing guest services and improving the overall on-track experience for all fans.

The first panel of the day introduced a new show premiering January 7, 2014 on the Esquire Network named ‘Horseplayers.’ Attendees saw several clips of the show which served as a good introduction to a later discussion on handicapping contests.

The panel before lunch was a presentation of different ways to present handicapping data to make it more accessible to the wagering public and easier to understand.

The last panel of the day included members of the cast from the Horseplayers show, including Peter Rotondo, Christian Hellmers, and Michael Beychok.

At the awards luncheon, the RTIP honoured Michael Blowen (outstanding contribution to racing), Martin Panza (distinguished alumni), and Claudia Koehler (distinguished student).

The Turf Publicists of America presented a scholarship to RTIP student Randy Olson and honoured jockey Gary Stevens with the Big Sport of Turfdom Award.

The Mark Kaufman Workshop presented by the TPA focused on controlling and properly communicating racing’s message to the media.

To finish up the day, the first ‘Speed Networking’ event was held along with the closing reception.

(RTIP)