The University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program has announced former U.S. Congressman Thomas (Tom) Rooney as the keynote speaker for the university's 47th annual Global Symposium on Racing. This week, Rooney was named successor to Alex Waldrop as the president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
In his first formal address to the racing industry as the new head of the NTRA, Rooney will share his vision, outline the industry's most pressing needs, and discuss advocacy efforts in Washington D.C.
A Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Rooney has taken an active role for several years in his family's Shamrock Farm, a Thoroughbred breeding and lay-up operation in Woodbine, Md., founded by his grandfather. He has served on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association since 2020.
As a Congressman, Rooney focused on economic, agricultural, national security, and military issues. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida from 2009-19 and served on the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Rooney brings expertise to his new role by promoting the welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through legislative and regulatory efforts and is committed to growing the popularity of racing by supporting fan engagement and corporate partner initiatives, the university said in a release.
