Jan Meehan at Churchill Downs for the Claiming Crown last fall By Jan Meehan, Tampa Bay Downs HBPA vice president, thoroughbred owner, trainer and breeder The Tampa Bay Downs HBPA, which represents racehorse owners and trainers at Tampa Bay Downs racetrack, has been clear about its opposition to the decoupling effort (Senate [...]
The interactive, electronic version of The Horsemen’s Journal’s Spring 2025 issue is now available online. It is an enhanced version of the printed magazine, which is currently being mailed. To view it, click here. Features in the issue include: The Backbone of the Stable Award-winning Turf writer, publicist Jennie Rees continues to advocate for horses [...]
The first quarter of 2025 has been nothing short of a tsunami for most of us in the industry. We entered the year with hopes of turning the page, making positive strides and setting the industry on the right path. Then came January 7. While the events of that date didn’t bring our industry [...]
Training at Gulfstream Park. (Eric Hamelback photo) The horsemen’s organization representing thoroughbred owners and trainers at Gulfstream Park is rejoining the National HBPA as an affiliate. The board of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, North America’s largest group representing thoroughbred owners and trainers, unanimously approved re-admitting the organization currently called the [...]
Sally Jane Mixon by Denis Blake/National HBPA The annual National HBPA Conference concluded its educational presentations Wednesday morning first with a session on how retired racehorses are transforming the lives of first responders and military members, as well as school children of backstretch workers. The final presentation showcased products using cutting edge technology to [...]
Equine attorney Jay Ingle. (Denis Blake/National HBPA) Two different panel discussions on Tuesday's opening day of the National HBPA Conference — one featuring lawyers and one with research veterinarians — recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's post-race drug test coming up positive for an impermissible substance. [...]
Horsemen and racing enthusiasts who live in or have business interests in Florida, we need your help NOW! Take 30 seconds to send a message to Florida Senate that decoupling is a jobs and industry-killer. Even if you've already participated in one of our campaigns, this is a new one that sends a prepared letter to [...]
The interactive, electronic version of The Horsemen’s Journal’s Summer 2020 issue is now available online. It is an enhanced version of the printed magazine, which is currently being mailed. To view it, click here. Features in the issue include: Two Tracks, One Legacy: The Story of Washington Park Champion horses and horsemen frequented the famed [...]
The interactive, electronic version of The Horsemen’s Journal’s Winter 2019 issue is now available online. It is an enhanced version of the printed magazine, which is currently being mailed. To view it, click here. Features in the issue include: Another All-Time High The 21st Claiming Crown sets new handle record at Gulfstream Park Introducing Digital Tattoos [...]
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 [...]