The University of Arizona

Race Track Industry Program

 

Student Research

In addition to the educational component of the RTIP, outreach to the pari-mutuel industry is an important element. Faculty and student outreach opportunities include research. Initiated by requests from industry organizations or as a result of a personal interest in the topic, faculty and students conduct research projects focusing on industry issues. The results of these projects are published and provided to the industry.

STUDENT PROJECTS 2007-2008

Perceptions of Synthetic Surfaces

This project’s purpose is to communicate the perceptions, both positive and negative, of the trainer, veterinarians and jockey’s that have been working day in and day out with synthetic surfaces. The goal of the data collection and analysis is to evoke more investigation into the actual issues, both direct and indirect of this synthetic surface phenomenon.

  • PREPARED BY: Brandi Goode
  • CLASS: AnS 442 Fall 2007
  • Paper

STUDENT PROJECTS 2006-2007

Slotted for Success? An Update of United States
Racino Legislation 2004-2006

This research portrays the changes that have occurred in racino legislation in the United States between 2004-2006. Topics covered within this report include evaluations of states with newly passed racino legislation, newly proposed racino legislation, expansion of existing racino legislation, and Instant Racing®.

  • PREPARED BY: Jordyn Brand & Jason Egan
  • CLASS: AnS 442 Fall 2006
  • Paper

The Worst Job in Sports, Racehorse Groom

How trainers of racehorses can manage their human capital in order to increase productivity and heighten barn morale; examines survey data from grooms at Santa Anita Park and Saratoga Race Course.

STUDENT PROJECTS 2005-2006

Customer Comforts: An Exploration of the Racing Experience

This report analyzes the comfort level of the racing fan while at the track. A look at the racing experience: Do your customers prefer a non-smoking section? What do they think of the environment? Are they comfortable using the self-serve machines and/or tellers?

  • PREPARED BY: Heather Belmonte & Sophia Mangalee
  • CLASS: AnS 442 Fall 2005
  • Paper

A Survey of Player Reward Programs at Race Tracks

A look at current information regarding Harness Tracks of America (HTA) and Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) player reward programs. This study examines which tracks have player reward programs, the type of technology being used, who is getting rewarded, and for what are they getting rewarded. In addition, there is a brief look at successful programs in other industries.

Account Wagering - The Future Is Here!

This study provides an inside look at account wagering patrons, their behaviors, and their experiences. The project includes results from a survey of 531 participants, correlations, and a compilation of industry offerings and amenities.

  • PREPARED BY: Jonathan Moss & William Shoup
  • CLASS: AnS 442 Fall 2005
  • Paper | PowerPoint

Independent Study 2004-2005

A Study of Harness Racing’s Demographics & Sponsorship Potential

This study examines pari-mutuel handle statistics, on-track attendance, and demographic information. In addition the project seeks to identify alternative means of generating additional revenue for the industry. These revenue streams include advertising opportunities, sponsorship deals for racetracks, sponsorship deals for drivers and trainers, operation of racinos, and increased account wagering.

  • PREPARED BY: Joseph J. Pulli
  • Paper

Past Performance Program Analysis

For any racetrack, the past performance program is the ultimate marketing tool. The strategy of the program director of a racetrack, no matter the breed, strives to offer the most attractive product using tools such as format, content, quality, and quantity. The challenge now is to research, survey, and analyze the programs to study the various schemes that attract customers.

  • PREPARED BY: Jenna Ramirez & Eric Yee
  • Paper

2004 Update of U.S. Racino Legislation

2004 Racino Legislation Update - In recent times, many states have been pursuing the expansion of gambling through the approval and implementation of racinos. This Race Track Industry Program study analyzes approved racino legislation, as well as other key 2004 racino developments.

  • PREPARED BY: Mark Mulier & Joseph J. Pulli
  • Paper

Player Reward Programs At Racetracks

Player rewards program survey, which includes: budgeting, funding, player rewards systems, and player tracking.

The Last Resort

Development of a sound business model for an industry-funded second career and placement program for retired racehorses.

The Exceller Fund

Exceller Fund - Alternatives to slaughter of racehorses after their racing careers has received increasing momentum. Exceller Fund, raises money to purchase and care for ex-racehorses that would otherwise be sent to slaughter. The project is a SWOT analysis and initial recommendations for the Exceller Fund.

  • PREPARED BY: Kate Avalos, Jordyn Brand, Carolyn Canterman,
    Jess Paquette, & Jenna Ramirez
  • Report

Independent Study 2003-2004

Gaming at the Racetracks: The Effects on the Racing Product

The report examines what has been the impact of the “racinos” on the racing product? The RTIP study looks at the effect on field size, quality of racing, breeding/sales and other vital racing statistics. A statistical model examined the difference in the data trends between all racino states and all non-racino states in the study. In addition the trends of the breeding and racing data was examined within each individual market (the racino states and the surrounding competing racing states.)

  • PREPARED BY: RTIP students-Neil Fernandes, Matt Foszcz, Brody Johnson, Dorothee Ostle, Steve Spears, and RTIP faculty-Steve Barham, Wendy Davis, Douglas Reed
  • Paper
  • Appendix/Graphs (For total report please click on both paper
    and Appendix)

Independent Study 2001-2002

Racetrack Personnel: A Comparative Study

This report provides some benchmarks within various departments of tracks based on the amount of handle the track receives. The issue of outsourcing and contract labor within the industry was also assessed. Findings are presented using both charts and data tables.

  • PREPARED BY: Scot Waterman, Tora Yamaguchi and Desiree Prudhomme
  • CLASS: AnS 440 Spring 2000
  • Report

Promotions of 1999

A detailed report of track promotions for 1999

  • PREPARED BY: Heather Haviland, Jon Shonk & Pat Bove
  • CLASS: AnS 440 Spring 2000
  • Report

A Survey of Race Track Marketing Departments

This is a survey of Harness and Thoroughbred Racing Marketing Departments.

  • PREPARED BY: Mike Costanzo, Jennifer Delaittre, Lauren Evans, Tony Galindo, Juli Graham, Heather Haviland, Ki-Sun Kim, Cynthia Madden, Justin McCormick, Andy Moran, Stacia Mumm, Jennifer Paige, Adrienne Pederson, Desiree Prudhomme, Shar Rudland, Richard Scheidt, Pete Selin, Jon Shonk, Jenelle Simpson, Tiffany Stevens, Jennifer Townsend, Whitney Vandermark, Scot Waterman and Tora Yamaguchi
  • CLASS: AnS 340 Spring 2000
  • Report

 

to top