Written by Renee Geelen
Cover image courtesy of the Australian Turf Club
Hosted by the Australian Turf Club, the FBAA's second annual professional development day included a diverse group of topics.
Vin Cox, Managing Director of Yulong, was the MC for the event which opened with a panel from Lloyd’s of London that included insurance broker Dan Bovington and underwriters Chris Williams and Niall Mckibbin.
“It’s great the FBAA make further steps to ensure that all members work professionally,” said respected agent Mark Player. “
“All the speakers were excellent and improved our ability to help our clients better. From insurance to marketing, as well as the funds management discussion around how they raise funds and what headwinds are going forward in this economy, through to the discussion around AI.”
“All the speakers were excellent and improved our ability to help our clients better. From insurance to marketing, as well as the funds management discussion around how they raise funds and what headwinds are going forward in this economy, through to the discussion around AI.” - Mark Player
Social Media experts Vicky Leonard of Kick Collective and Lisa Richards, FBAA Media and Marketing Content Manager, spoke about social media and the psychology of people’s scrolling habits.
Byron Rogers, Director of R&D at Stable Analytics in the USA, talked about the rise of Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to identifying the traits of an elite thoroughbred athlete.
“It was a really beneficial day for all of us,” said Suman Hedge. “To be able to listen to experts in different fields was great. Byron Rogers talking about AI and machine learning gave a good insight into the integration of that into horse racing, and how it could affect how we operate.”
Suman Hedge
Gold expert Benjamin Clifford, Managing Director of Argonaught spoke about building portfolios and stock selection, and how these processes can be applied to the Thoroughbred industry.
“I enjoyed the other experts, such as wagering and stewards, giving insights into those areas that we weren’t necessarily across, and how those things can affect us in different ways,” said Hedge.
Racing NSW Chairman of Stewards, Steve Railton, informed the audience of the importance of the role of stewards and how a transparent racing industry will ensure a safe environment for participants and confidence from the betting public.
“I enjoyed the other experts, such as wagering and stewards, giving insights into those areas that we weren’t necessarily across, and how those things can affect us in different ways.” - Suman Hedge
James Ross, Head of Racing and Wagering at the ATC, gave an overview of the wagering landscape in Australia, and the day closed with Vicky Leonard, founder of not-for-profit organisations Kick Up in Australia and Light Up in the USA, who spoke about targeting misinformation outside thoroughbred racing, including how FBAA members can contribute to the dissemination of positive and accurate information.
“Generally a really good mix of speakers and the day demonstrates that we, as bloodstock agents, are professionals who make good contributions to the industry,” said Player.
“I’m grateful that the FBAA put the event together,” said Hedge. “A lot of the time we are so busy and wrapped up in our own little world, that it’s good to take the time to investigate these ideas with our colleagues. It was engaging with everyone asking questions, and can only be beneficial individually and as a group. Having our collective go down this path is very positive thing.”
Mark Player
