ABOUT the racing and gaming conference at saratoga

For almost two decades, every August the Albany Law School convened respected lawyers, legislators, and high-level horse racing and gaming industry professionals to examine the pressing issues of the day. The Saratoga Institute, as it was called, brought together the disparate voices of the industry, sometimes to air their differences but most of the time to find some common ground. After 19 years of hosting this special event, the Law School handed over the reins to Patrick Brown in early 2020.  

The pandemic prevented a 2020 conference, but the 2021 inaugural event was a resounding success.  The focus has broadened from New York to national and the panel topics may be less lawyerly and more industry-oriented.  But the heart of the former Institute remains-civil discussion of important subjects by industry experts.   

Tinhorn Productions, LLC is a sole proprietorship created by Patrick Brown for the purpose of carrying on the annual Racing and Gaming Conference during the Saratoga meet. Pat is no stranger to anyone who has attended the Conference in the past or is involved in racing and gaming in New York. For more than 30 years, Pat has been a gaming advocate, lawyer, teacher and most importantly, a fan. 

After spending several years working in the New York Court of Appeals, Pat joined Governor Mario Cuomo's staff as one of his lawyers in 1987. Among many other responsibilities, he served as the Governor’s principal advisor on horse racing and gaming issues. After leaving public service in 1995, Pat entered into private practice; first at Plunkett & Jaffe and then at Brown & Weinraub, a law firm specializing in government relations and lobbying. Over the years, Pat has advocated for numerous standardbred and thoroughbred interests and he was fortunate to be involved with two of the four winning bidders for upstate casino licenses: del Lago and Rivers Casinos. In 2020, Pat retired from lobbying and now has time to write and pursue other interests, including producing this Conference.