Lippes Mathias is pleased to share that Karl J. Sleight, partner and member of the firm’s government & corporate investigations practice team, moderated a panel presentation at The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga at the Saratoga Hilton from August 12-14, 2024. 

The panel, titled "Transparency in North American Horse Racing: The Role of Stewards," delved into the lack of transparent reporting from stewards in North American horse racing. It focused on key questions such as why North American horse racing has fallen behind in this regard, the limitations hindering stewards from providing more transparent communication, and potential examples to follow from other racing jurisdictions or sports. Additionally, the panel explored how enhanced transparency could engage fans and bettors, as well as build confidence and participation in the sport. 

The panel, titled "Bettor (Better) Protection and Confidence?" focused on the lack of transparent reporting from stewards in North American horse racing, addressing key questions such as why North American horse racing has fallen behind in this regard, the limitations hindering stewards from providing more transparent communication, and potential examples to follow from other racing jurisdictions or sports. Additionally, the panel explored how enhanced transparency could engage fans and bettors, as well as build confidence and participation in the sport. 

Sleight was joined on the panel by Pat Cummings (Executive Director, National Thoroughbred Alliance), Victor Escobar (Steward, New York Racing Association), Kim Kelly (Chairman, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Committee for the Harmonization of Racing Rules; former Chief Stipendiary Steward, Hong Kong Jockey Club), and Chris Wittstruck (Equine Attorney, Standardbred Owners’ Association of New York). 

Karl J. Sleight provides strategic counsel to clients who operate in highly regulated environments, which includes active government oversight and scrutiny. He is recognized for his successful accomplishments and is regularly named to the City and State Law Power 100, which lists the 100 most powerful people in New York State politics working in law. Sleight’s experience spans a broad spectrum of industry sectors, including gaming, health care, energy, and emerging industries such as cannabis. In addition to advising clients on governmental ethics and lobbying compliance matters, he represents individuals, businesses, and institutions in complex civil litigation and government administrative investigations against the state attorney general. Sleight regularly represents clients in high-profile matters containing public and political sensitivities, including numerous Fortune 100 companies as well as private citizens and political figures involved in government inquiries. He is also an accomplished trial attorney. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with nearly 200 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals. 

Year after year, Lippes Mathias is proud to be recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. For more information, visit www.lippes.com.