Watch and Wager LLC, the operator of harness racing at Cal Expo, has announced that Robin Schadt is the new Director of Racing.

Said General Manager Chris Schick, “Robin’s vast experience in all facets of the industry will make her a huge asset to the Cal Expo team.”

The 2014-2015 meeting is set to begin on October 4 and will run through May 4, with plans to expand to three nights of racing a week during the winter months.

Robin Schadt has extensive experience in the harness racing industry, including working as an assistant to Chicago Director of Racing and USTA President Phil Langley in the 1990s at Sportsman’s Park, and as the lead trainer and manager for the successful stable Odds On Racing for 13 years.

Said Schadt, “My goal is to produce a racing program where every horseman gets their horses raced on a regular basis for decent money and to provide the betting public with competitive fields on which to wager. I’m confident I can do both.

“I also want to incorporate online technology into the entry and racing process and bring the racing office into the 21st century.”

Schadt began her career in racing working as a caretaker for various Chicago conditioners in the 1980s. From there, she worked as the racing office assistant to Langley, while at the same time building a small stable of her own in the Windy City.

In 2000, Robin teamed up with owner Dana Parham to create the Odds On Racing empire. She was responsible for conditioning a stable of more than 100 horses and for managing and maintaining a state-of-the-art training facility located in Crete, IL. As well, she headed up the breeding arm of the operation, known as Odds On Nourrir, which was a key player at the leading yearling sales and in Grand Circuit events.

(Cal Expo)