Denis Blake, Author at National HBPA

National HBPA convention: Hamelback advocates advisory committee to help stewards navigate thorny medication cases

Eric Hamelback (Photo by Denis Blake/National HBPA) Eric Hamelback, chief executive officer of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, is developing a concept he believes would help stewards navigate the increasingly complex world when highly sophisticated testing collides with environmental contamination and the inadvertent transfer of matter to racehorses. Speaking Friday on [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-16T15:15:34+00:00

National HBPA Convention – Louisville economist: Have data, will study; Unlimited potential of research benefits for racing

Dr. Steven Vickner (Photo by by Denis Blake/National HBPA) Economist Steven Vickner, an associate professor in the University of Louisville College of Business’ equine industry program, knows the possibilities of cutting-edge research that could help horse racing make smarter business decisions. He just needs the data. So continued the call Thursday at the [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-15T13:35:49+00:00

National HBPA Convention: Racing can’t afford status quo; Call for more free data, fixed odds, equine welfare

Video: Thoroughbred Idea Foundation as keynote panel Video: Accessing Our Industry’s Stats into the Future To grow its consumer base and revenue, horse racing must change the way it does business — including giving away free past-performance information that horseplayers use to handicap before placing bets. That belief was expressed repeatedly throughout Wednesday’s first day of [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-14T14:15:27+00:00

Statement from National HBPA on Racehorse Safety

The National HBPA understands everyone in the Thoroughbred racing industry loves and has steadfast passion for our equine athletes. We know that owners, trainers and jockeys who deal each day with these amazing animals understand this deep connection. To those of us who have lived this life, our horses are members of our family. The [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-09T17:02:40+00:00

National HBPA Convention: Finding Ways To Do Things Better

Finding ways for horse racing to do things better is the overarching theme of the National HBPA Convention March 12-16 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla. That also is the mission of the new Thoroughbred Idea Foundation, a horse-racing think tank whose representatives form the March 13 keynote panel at [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-07T14:59:19+00:00

Registration Now Open for Track Supers Field Day at Charles Town

Registration is now open for the upcoming Track Superintendents Field Day. Please visit www.tracksupers.com to learn more. Jolene Brown, 2017 Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, is the 2019 Keynote Speaker. Jolene, often called “The Dr. Phil of Agriculture,” is direct, respectful and generous with her advice and focused in her solutions to racing’s challenges. Her [...]

Denis Blake2019-03-04T16:01:43+00:00

Racing Commission Approves Winchell, Falcone as Kentucky Downs Owners

Photo by Reed Palmer Photography The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved noted horseman and entrepreneur Ron Winchell and prominent gaming executive Marc Falcone as majority owners of Kentucky Downs. The sale of the track and year-round entertainment center to Winchell and Falcone is expected to close around March 1. Ted Nicholson will [...]

Denis Blake2019-02-20T14:57:00+00:00

Keeneland Library, Now 80, Schedules Special Events for Early 2019

The Keeneland Library turns 80 this year. (Photo courtesy Keeneland) The Keeneland Library, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, over the next few months will present several exhibits and special events, including the popular Library Lecture Series, to showcase its collection and programs. In 1939, the Library was established when Keeneland [...]

Denis Blake2019-02-14T19:21:33+00:00

Oaklawn Increases All Overnight Purses

Photo by Coady Photography The track where purses have been steadily rising for 11 straight years is at it again. Oaklawn is increasing all overnight purses, some as much as $6,000, retroactive to the Thursday, Feb. 14 card. Maiden special weights and open allowances are being bumped $6,000 and are now $83,000 and [...]

Denis Blake2019-02-13T17:02:57+00:00

Persie Wins National HBPA Claiming Horse of the Year Award

Persie (Photo courtesy Bush Racing Stable) Persie, a winner of 10 races from 17 starts in 2018, has been named Claiming Horse of the Year by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Persie was one of only five horses in the United States with 10 or more wins last year. Three [...]

Denis Blake2019-02-13T20:06:00+00:00

About Denis Blake