Florida HBPA To Honor Gulfstream Outriders, Salty Roberts and Cliff Hopmans on Dec. 8

Florida_HBPAlogoThe Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association will hold its annual Nominating Meeting/Awards Dinner Dec. 8 at the Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park.

In addition to nominating candidates for FHBPA’s Board of Directors, horsemen and their guests will gather to recognize the achievements of Florida’s horsemen and “backstretch” leaders. Awards to be handed out include those for Person of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and special recognition of Outriders of Gulfstream Park and Gulfstream Park West.

“This year’s honorees have made countless contributions to our membership and to our industry for many, many years,” said Florida HBPA President Bill White. “We celebrate their selfless dedication to the sport, which is the backbone of this industry. Day-in and day-out, rain or shine, their tireless commitment plays a vital role in bringing world-class Thoroughbred racing to the state of Florida.”

The event kicks off with cocktails from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by the Nominating Meeting, a buffet dinner and the awards ceremony.

The awards and honorees will include:

• Special Recognition Award: to Gulfstream Park outriders. Responsible for maintaining a safe environment at the track during morning workouts and live racing, outriders work long hours and are responsible for opening and closing the track each day. They are also in charge of clearing equine traffic and are always ready to catch loose horses on the track as quickly as possible.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: H. W. “Salty” Roberts. Salty is the founder of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. For over 43 years he has dedicated his life to bringing the ministry and a positive influence not only to Florida racing but race tracks worldwide.

• Person of the Year: Cliff Hopmans, Director Horseman Liaison and Stall Manager at Gulfstream Park since 2007. With over 48 years in the trenches, from a hot walker at age 12 to a trainer for owners Conn Smythe, Morgan Firestone and Frank Stronach, Cliff embodies the horseman lifestyle. His openness, professionalism, and decorum make him an effective mediator between the business and the horsemen.

Working hand in hand with the horsemen and Gulfstream Park, Cliff’s responsibilities include making sure there are no empty stalls, this, in turn, makes for bigger fields, better wagering opportunities, and increased handle.

Bill White added: “As a horseman, I am continually inspired by the years of hard-work and behind-the-scenes dedication these individuals bring to horse racing year after year. It is the FHBPA’s honor to recognize them and hopefully bring their stories to the attention of horse racing fans everywhere.”

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