Integrity, Innovation on Round Table Agenda

The Jockey Club will use its Aug. 14 Round Table Conference to discuss ways it can build upon existing programs, and also will continue its advocacy for federal legislation regarding equine medication and drug testing.

"We'll use it to mark the steady progress that has been made in fan development, integrity, and innovation," Jockey Club president and chief operating officer Jim Gagliano said Aug. 11. "And each year, over the last five or six years, we've tried to introduce a speaker from another jurisdiction. The world has become a much smaller place."

The new international speaker will be Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who will provide an overview of racing in Hong Kong and the organization's strategic plan for growth.

United States Reps. Andy Barr of Kentucky and Paul Tonko of New York will provide an update on the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015. A Senate companion bill that addresses a few concerns brought to light by industry stakeholders is expected to be introduced in the near future.

In a related talk, Jeff Novitsky, vice president of athlete health and performance for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, will explain how the sport's hiring of the United States Anti-Doping Agency has moved it forward.

The Round Table, which begins at 10 a.m. EDT in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., will be streamed live at jockeyclub.com.