Racing’s Bill Nader Spends Three Days on Campus with RTIP Students
The Race Track Industry Program hosted William Nader, former Executive Director of Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), for a three-day visit from October 24-26. Mr. Nader lectured in three classes and attended an off campus event with RTIP students, faculty and staff.
Bill worked with the HKJC from 2007-2016, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s racing operations. Prior to working in Hong Kong, he worked in a variety of executive roles with The New York Racing Association (NYRA), including Chief Operating Officer. A New Hampshire native, he began his career at Rockingham Park working in many different operational capacities.
Bill discussed the racing structure in Hong Kong during the ACBS 442 Racing Business, Strategies, and Global Perspectives class on Tuesday afternoon. He stressed how important the vertical integration business model of the HKJC, where the organization is both the operator and regulator, was to their success and high standards. Additionally, the HKJC makes significant tax payments and charitable donations to benefit the community.
In Wednesday’s ACBS 345 Racing Laws and Enforcement class, Bill talked about the different regulatory environment in Hong Kong compared to the United States and other racing jurisdictions. Specifically, he spoke about how the Board of Stewards conducts hearings with jockeys, the penalties for certain riding infractions and the appeal process.
Bill also lectured in ACBS 342 Organization and Administration of the Racing Department class, discussing the rating system in Hong Kong and which races are open to foreign horses. He also talked about Pattern races within the Asian Racing Federation and discussed how an international race receives a grouping.
Thursday evening the students were treated to an off campus event where Bill spoke of his journey that started in New England and took him across the globe to lead one of the most respected racing organizations in the world. Bill stressed the importance of hard work and embracing opportunities, even if they come at an inopportune time. He also told the students to never stop learning. Students were able to spend time asking questions about his experiences working in racing both domestically and internationally in an informal setting.