Lead With AI

Episode: 3 Days, 2 Winners, 1 AI: How Machine Learning Cracked the Sport of Kings
Host: Dr. Tamara Nall
Guest: Mike Skurrer, Founder of Race Oracle AI
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In the third episode of Lead With AI, Dr. Tamara Nall engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Skurrer, the visionary founder behind Race Oracle AI. This episode delves into how machine learning and artificial intelligence are transforming the traditionally unpredictable world of horse racing, often referred to as the "Sport of Kings."

Guest Background: Mike Skurrer’s Journey

Mike Skurrer’s story is one of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Immigrating from Poland to the United States in the 1990s, Mike settled in New England, where his passion for mathematics and statistics led him to a successful 12-year career in finance at one of the world’s largest asset managers. However, yearning for greater challenges, Mike transitioned into entrepreneurship a decade ago.

“Entrepreneurship is something that you can't learn anywhere else besides in the trenches, actually doing it right.”
— Mike Skurrer [02:14]

Mike's diverse experiences across regions like Boston, Dallas, and eventually Louisville, Kentucky, exposed him to various cultures and industries, ultimately steering him towards the horse racing sector—a cornerstone of Kentucky’s culture.

The Birth of Race Oracle AI

The inception of Race Oracle AI was catalyzed by a serendipitous encounter at the Kentucky Derby. Mike recounts meeting a seasoned bettor who consistently predicted race outcomes with remarkable accuracy.

“He personally, on average can pick about 58 to 65% of races correctly.”
— Mike Skurrer [09:09]

Realizing that such expertise could be harnessed and replicated through AI, Mike and his co-founder set out to create a platform that simplifies horse racing predictions for both novices and seasoned bettors.

How Race Oracle AI Works

Race Oracle AI leverages a robust machine learning model trained on data from over 600,000 horse races. The platform processes real-time data every 10 minutes, accounting for variables such as horse lineage, jockey performance, weather conditions, and last-minute race alterations like scratches or track changes.

“We take all of that information, all of that data, and we simplify it into a very simple bar chart that has the horse's name and what our probability of that horse winning the race is.”
— Mike Skurrer [13:06]

The user-friendly interface translates complex data into easily digestible visual formats, empowering users to make informed betting decisions without needing extensive knowledge of horse racing intricacies.

Real-World Impact: Success Stories

Mike shares an inspiring anecdote of a first-time race track attendee who leveraged Race Oracle AI to secure a $1,700 win.

“The person ended up winning $1,700 that day.”
— Mike Skurrer [11:18]

Such stories underscore the platform’s potential to not only democratize access to effective betting strategies but also to rejuvenate interest in horse racing by making it more accessible and engaging.

Furthermore, Race Oracle AI demonstrated its prowess during the Kentucky Derby shortly after its launch:

“On the third day... we picked the top two horses that finished first and second in the Kentucky Derby... we placed the winning bet on the Kentucky Derby that day.”
— Mike Skurrer [16:00]

This remarkable achievement, achieved within just three days of the platform's inception, highlighted the accuracy and reliability of the AI model in one of the sport’s most challenging events to predict.

Ethical Considerations and Industry Impact

Addressing potential ethical concerns, Mike emphasizes the integrity of their data sources and the platform’s role in enhancing rather than undermining the horse racing industry.

“We have partnerships with a couple of the largest data providers in this space that are providing us with accurate, timely data that then we can use within the models.”
— Mike Skurrer [22:56]

Race Oracle AI operates within the paramutual betting framework of horse racing, ensuring that the platform supports rather than disrupts the existing ecosystem. Mike reassures listeners that their approach fosters a positive impact by increasing confidence among bettors and potentially driving higher engagement and revenue for racing establishments.

Future Horizons: Expanding the Reach of AI in Racing

Looking ahead, Mike envisions Race Oracle AI not just influencing horse racing but also extending its predictive capabilities to other racing arenas such as motorsports, including Formula 1 and NASCAR.

“We would love to bring Race Oracle into other race arenas. So motorsports is really the next thing on our radar.”
— Mike Skurrer [25:23]

In the long term, there's even potential for the platform to influence betting odds by generating significant user engagement and trust, thereby impacting the dynamics of races themselves.

From One Genius to Another: Rapid Fire Predictions

In a lively rapid-fire segment, Mike shares his insights on various topics:

• Most Overrated Tech Trend: “AI for everything... there's a lot of noise... a lot of bad actors.”
  — Mike Skurrer [29:40]

• Most Underhyped AI Breakthrough: “Problem solving for large organizations... decision making for large organizations.”
  — Mike Skurrer [30:27]

• One Book Everyone Should Read: “How to Win Friends and Influence People... interpersonal skills are going to become more and more valuable.”
  — Mike Skurrer [31:04]

• Boldest AI Prediction: “I predict that AGI already exists... Artificial General Intelligence is the ability of the AI model to make their own decisions, think independently.”
  — Mike Skurrer [32:03]

Conclusion and Call to Action

Dr. Nall wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Race Oracle AI, especially with the upcoming Belmont Stakes.

“Please visit us@raceoracle AI... feel free to get in touch with us@timaceoracle AI.”
— Mike Skurrer [33:42]

Mike’s enthusiasm and the platform’s proven success present a tantalizing glimpse into how AI can make horse racing more engaging and accessible, potentially revitalizing a cherished sport.

Connect with Race Oracle AI:
📧 Email: tim@raceoracleAI.com
🌐 Visit: www.raceoracleAI.com

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on how AI is shaping our world, only on Lead With AI with Dr. Tamara Nall.