Billy Badgett Tabbed as Executive Director of Florida HBPA

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has tabbed veteran trainer and racing executive William ‘Billy’ Badgett to fill the group’s vacant position of executive director.

Badgett, 67, recently left his position as vice president of racing at Gulfstream Park after a five-year stint on the frontside following a long and distinguished career as a trainer. His most well-known trainee was two-time Eclipse award winning and Hall of Famer Go For Wand. Badgett has trained the winners of 583 races and over $21 million in purses.

“With horse racing facing such an uncertain future, I figured that my talents would be best served by helping the horsemen and backside community,” said Badgett. “I have the unique experience of having worked on both sides of the fence and going back to my roots as a horseman really appealed to me.”

FHBPA president Steve Screnci stated, “We are really excited to have Billy on board with the FHBPA. He is uniquely qualified to represent horsemen as in addition to his vast experience as a top trainer, he also has seen racing’s issues firsthand from the point of view of track management. Billy will be a huge asset for our organization.”

The FHBPA represents the interests of over 5,000 Thoroughbred horse owners and trainers who race in south Florida. The FHBPA works to foster and promote their relationships with racetracks, government and community while creating a better economic climate in which our members can do business.

(from Florida HBPA news release)