The Racing Officials Accreditation Program welcomed a record 76 participants to its 2026 Steward and Judge Accreditation School Sept. 27-Oct. 4 in Lexington. The turnout marked an attendance record for a stewards' accreditation school, highlighting strong participation in professional education and accreditation across the horse racing industry.
The eight-day program brought together 60 flat racing (Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing) and 16 harness racing participants for intensive classroom instruction and practical training and examinations designed to prepare current and aspiring racing officials for the responsibilities of officiating. Among the attendees were five accredited flat racing stewards pursuing harness racing accreditation and three accredited harness judges seeking flat racing accreditation. The flat racing group also included four steeplechase participants.
The school attracted a notable international presence, with seven participants from Canada, two from Jamaica, and one from the United Arab Emirates. The international turnout underscored the reach of ROAP's educational programs and the importance of shared professional standards across racing jurisdictions.
“To see 76 participants come together for this school is tremendously encouraging for the future of racing officiating,” said ROAP board member and accredited steward Frank Lamb. “What makes this especially meaningful is the range of experience represented, from aspiring officials to seasoned stewards and judges seeking additional accreditation. The commitment these individuals have made to professional development speaks to the importance of maintaining knowledgeable, qualified officials throughout our industry.”
Lamb added, “A special thank you goes to Wendy Davis for drawing on her decades of experience with ROAP and in education to make this a meaningful experience for all involved.”
The curriculum addressed essential aspects of racing regulation and officiating, including rules and procedures, race review and analysis, medication control and drug testing, pari-mutuel wagering, administrative hearings, legal responsibilities, and regulatory oversight.
Participants benefited from instruction by experienced industry professionals and a roster of accredited stewards, regulatory officials, and industry specialists.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants gained practical insight into race-day operations at two of Lexington’s historic racetracks. Harness racing attendees observed officials and racing operations at The Red Mile, while flat racing participants spent October 3 at Keeneland, where they received a behind-the-scenes look at officiating procedures, including the stewards’ stand and race review operations.
ROAP extends its appreciation to Keeneland, The Red Mile, Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and their staff for accommodating the groups during busy live racing days and providing participants with valuable firsthand access to the responsibilities and decision-making processes of racing officials.
“This year's school demonstrated the value of bringing together officials from different racing disciplines and backgrounds to learn from one another,” said USTA racetrack operations and licensing manager and corporate secretary Michele Kopiec. “The combination of classroom education, experienced instructors, and direct exposure to race-day operations provides an invaluable foundation for those pursuing accreditation. We are especially grateful to the organizations, racetracks and industry professionals who made these opportunities possible.”
The school concluded with film analysis and written examinations covering medication and drug testing, legal and regulatory issues, and general racing rules. ROAP accreditation requires a combination of formal education, successful completion of required examinations, and qualifying industry experience. Accredited officials must also complete 16 hours of ROAP-approved continuing education every two years to maintain accreditation. Through this comprehensive process, ROAP works to establish consistent professional qualifications for stewards and judges responsible for overseeing fair competition, enforcing racing regulations, and protecting the integrity of the sport.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
