by Jane Murray, TRA Director of Services

Fair Hill, MD — The Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA) has announced that Saratoga Springs, N.Y. will be the host city for the 18th annual International Simulcast Conference. The 2009 conference will be held at The Saratoga Hilton, October 12-14.

The TRA co-sponsors the annual event with Harness Tracks of America.

Each year the conference attracts more than 350 racing executives and personnel to address topics of chief importance to the pari-mutuel industry, including simulcasting, account wagering, wagering security, and technology.

As the home of the oldest continuously operating Thoroughbred racetrack in the United States, Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs is noted for its racing heritage. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame offers its visitors a comprehensive look at the history of American Thoroughbreds along with the Hall of Fame. Those renowned facilities will be incorporated into the conference activities.

Another popular destination in the area is Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, which presents harness racing and simulcasting virtually year-round, along with housing over 1,700 slot machines.

The Saratoga Hilton is conveniently located in the heart of the Broadway entertainment district and is within walking distance to a wide range of restaurants and bars.

Saratoga Springs is an easy three-hour drive from New York City. Southwest Airlines has many flights into nearby Albany, which is just a half-hour away.

More information will be available on the TRA Web site, www.tra-online.com, as the conference nears.