RTIP Speaker Series: Aiden Butler

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Aiden Butler is chief operating officer, 1/ST Racing, and president, 1/ST Content. 1/ST is a leader in Thoroughbred horse racing and gaming, and is focused on transforming the role entertainment and hospitality plays within the sport of horse racing. Previously, Butler was chief strategy officer and executive director of California racing operations of The Stronach Group.

During the Speaker Series, Butler discussed the wide-ranging responsibility of track management from day-to-day operations to horse safety, policy making, and horsemen relations. He also emphasized to the students the importance of providing the equine athlete with a safe and consistent race track.  

“Aidan Butler hammered home how important it is for students to understand how racing surfaces function.” said RTIP Chair Robert Hartman. He also encouraged students to consider careers in soils and surface management as there is a void of people pursuing these careers. A wide variety of other topics were discussed including how 1/ST is using technology better inform their managers’ decision making.