Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to attend my first Association of Racing Commissions International (ARCI) event, their Annual Conference in Louisville. As a Sales Director for Thentia I had established relationships with several racing regulators, but never had the pleasure of being immersed in their world. My trip was filled with several personal firsts, a whole lot of fun, and insightful discussions that will shape the future of horse racing regulation. Read on for my 2 minute take-away.
Regulators Love Horses
Every regulator I met displayed a genuine love for horses, many with backgrounds in farming, ranching or racing. Working with regulators across a wide variety of industries – I cannot say this is true for all regulators and the industries they serve. The passion and dedication of these professionals is admirable.
Animal Welfare Is Top Priority
With the love of horses so apparent, it is not surprising that animal welfare was a significant topic addressed. Regulators were focused on developing strategies to protect the health and well-being of racehorses and the people who work with them. Discussions included initiatives for monitoring and preventing injuries, improving veterinary practices, and ensuring responsible ownership.
Commitment to Integrity and Fairness
Building on animal welfare, the meeting was also centered around a continued commitment to integrity and fairness in horse racing. Specific topics included enhancing drug testing protocols with stricter testing based on recent advancements in technology, reviewing and strengthening existing regulation to deter prohibited substances, as well as establishing greater fines.
To prevent fraud and manipulation, measures to implement enhanced security at racetracks were introduced. And, a resounding call for enhanced transparency in all horse racing operations resonated throughout every session.
Focus on Technology and Innovation
Technology and innovation in the racing industry were highlighted as critical areas for growth and modernization, specifically:
- The adoption of digital tools for race monitoring and data analysis
- Leveraging technology to enhance fan engagement
- Explorating new wagering systems and online platforms
- Licensing technology solutions
Thentia licensing and compliance technology has the ability to help ensure current and new regulations are followed. Our customers Nebraska Gaming and Racing and Oregon Racing Association trust Thentia to improve the management, access and reporting of data, transforming licensing and compliance processes.
After attending the conference, I feel even more confident in our technology’s ability to benefit racing regulators. For example, our new QR Code feature would allow for instant verification of track-level licenses with a click of a phone. The codes are synced with public registrar data for the most up-to-date information. Simply put – Thentia technology improves the efficiency of regulators through automation, freeing up more time to focus on animal welfare, integrity and fairness.
Changing Public Perception
Efforts to improve public perception around horse racing are underway due to public scrutiny and a decline in popularity overall. However, this year’s Kentucky Derby was better attended and more watched than the past few years’, a very promising trend. A record breaking $234.1 million was wagered on the Kentucky Derby race itself, surpassing the previous record of $210.7 million set in 2024, while total handle for the entire Derby Day card reached $349 million, up from $320.5 million the year before.
I came away from the ARCI meeting with an even greater respect for the industry as a whole. The event provided a valuable platform for leaders to collaborate and address key challenges and opportunities. The focus on integrity, animal welfare, and technology indicates a strong commitment to the future sustainability and growth of horse racing. With the loving, dedicated regulators I met, I believe the future of horse racing is looking brighter than ever.
