Eric Hamelback (Photo by Denis Blake/National HBPA) As CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (National HBPA) I -- along with all HBPA members -- am as concerned as any about the recent events in our industry. I firmly believe in having the highest standards of horsemanship. The HBPA is continuously [...]
A proposed phasing-out of race-day Lasix starting in 2020 that is being discussed by track operators in Kentucky and New York has yet to formally involve representatives from the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), Eric Hamelback, the group’s national chief executive, told TDN Wednesday afternoon. “The groups that own racetracks have every right to discuss [...]
Step Ahead Thoroughbred Retirement, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates, retrains and rehomes retired Thoroughbred racehorses in the Tampa Bay area, has been awarded the use of an Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower for the 2019 mowing season. The donation was provided by Equine Equipment and its equine industry partner Exmark as part of the [...]
The interactive, electronic version of The Horsemen’s Journal’s Spring 2019 issue is now available online. It is an enhanced version of our printed issue, which is currently being mailed. To view it, click here. Features in the issue include: Finding Ways to Do Things Better Horsemen get together in Florida to share ideas to improve [...]
The Kentucky Lottery has launched a limited pilot program of the game Win Place Show, the first-ever daily lottery game based on the results of live horse racing. Players can purchase the $2 Quick Pick tickets at one of the 45 retailers now offering the game on a limited basis. Each ticket lists three [...]
The Elite Program Inc., through its Groom Elite Education programs, has opened registration for two April classes open to the public. A critical current topic in racing is the lack of qualified help to fill open positions in the racing industry. For the third year in a row, The Jockey Club, Magdalena Farm, National HBPA [...]
Richard Yates (right) with National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback It is with great sadness that the National HBPA reports the passing of HBPA of Canada and HBPA of British Columbia Secretary-Treasurer Richard Yates, who suddenly died of a massive heart attack on March 22. Richard was a true advocate, ambassador and a [...]
In light of the recent tragedies at Santa Anita, we wish to express sadness for the loss of those magnificent equines. The mission of the National HBPA, indeed the very heart of our mission, is to encourage the highest standards of horsemanship and continuously improve the care, health and safety of race horses. The National [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]