The National HBPA was approached by trainers Wesley Ward and Larry Rivelli to help facilitate this open letter to the industry. While this is being distributed by the National HBPA, which also assisted in putting the letter together, the sentiments are those of trainers Wesley Ward, Larry Rivelli and the undersigned horsemen and racing participants. They encourage [...]
Thoroughbred Charities of America announced today that Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the upcoming 33rd Annual Stallion Season Auction to be held Wednesday, January 4 - Sunday, January 8, 2023. “We greatly appreciate the support of Mt. Brilliant,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “The Stallion Season Auction [...]
Statement from National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback on the Federal Trade Commission's order to not approve the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control rules that were to go into effect Jan. 1: "The recent FTC decision is another positive step forward for horsemen in our battle against the unconstitutional takeover of our industry. [...]
Help us help you: Tell Congress horse racing needs a strategic, legal alternative to HISA with all stakeholders at the table. In the wake of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruling the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and its resulting Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) unconstitutional, the No. 1 question we [...]
On Friday, Dec. 16, The Louisville Thoroughbred Society will be hosting a Holiday Celebration “Open House” for all current members and investors. The gathering is an opportunity to raise some significant money and assistance for the community of backside workers who are so vital to the horse racing industry. Just last week, Churchill Downs announced [...]
Marty Maline (Jennie Rees photo) Marty Maline is retiring as executive director of the Kentucky HBPA on Dec. 31 after almost 47 years in the post. Maline, who began the job in February 1976, ranks among the country’s best-known and most-respected executive directors of any racing organization. His service is by far [...]
The following information was sent out by The Jockey Club, and is being relayed by the National HBPA it to members and others in the industry. The Jockey Club announced today that it will be increasing the fees for imports, exports, returns, and associated late payments by $50, effective January 1, 2023. These fees have not [...]
Cody Dorman in the winner's circle with Cody's Wish (Photo by Coady Photography) If you watched this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course, you surely remember the incredible story of Cody's Wish and his special relationship with an exceptional 16-year-old named Cody Dorman. And if you didn't see it in person or [...]
The text below is a memorandum prepared by National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback and General Counsel Peter Ecabert following a Zoom meeting Monday of attorneys involved in the legal action. The PDF links below goes to a summary prepared by Ecabert. Link to summary As the decision from Friday continues to unravel, we collectively [...]
5th Circuit Court of Appeals' 3-0 opinion ruling HISA unconstitutional “It is the duty of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to protect horsemen across the country and that is not a responsibility I take lightly,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the NHBPA. “From HISA’s onset, we have thoroughly and fairly examined the [...]