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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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]