Indiana Schedules First Summit on Racing

Blood-Horse

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission, as part of its first industry summit meeting Nov. 20, is seeking feedback from racing stakeholders on ways to improve the economics and promotion of horse racing in the state.

In a Nov. 16 memo IHRC chairman Tom Weatherwax said he is seeking “open dialogue” on issues in the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing and breeding industries. Suggested topics are changes that can make stakeholders more profitable and efficient; ways to generate an expansion of investment in the business; and whether the current racing calendar should be modified in some way.

“We desire to hear from horsemen regarding their thoughts and suggestions that will benefit our racing community and enhance our racing programs,” Weatherwax said. “We are also interested in exploring different routes of communication and marketing ideas that advertise our successful racing programs to those currently residing in Indiana along with those outside of Indiana.”

The meeting, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. EST, will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Meanwhile, the IHRC officially announced it is seeking candidates for the position of executive director, which became available after the commission at a special meeting in early October voted to remove Joe Gorajec, who had held the job for more than 20 years. Weatherwax at the time said the IHRC wanted to expand the role of executive director to include things like marketing and promotion.

“We are looking for a unique individual who can bridge the gap between preserving the high level of integrity the commission has established and growing the industry through new and innovative marketing and promotion initiatives,” Weatherwax said.