Iowa HBPA Applauds Gov. Reynolds Signing HF 2615 into Law to Protect Iowa Thoroughbred Racing
Iowa Governor’s Office photo, from left: Mike Vanderpool, Marylee Vanderpool, Victoria Moss, Jon Moss, Governor Kim Reynolds, Allen Poindexter, Joe Kelly, Rep. Heather Hora, Sen. Adrian Dickey.
The Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (IA HBPA) applauded Governor Kim Reynolds for recently signing House File 2615 into law, legislation that strengthens and protects Iowa’s Thoroughbred racing industry by reaffirming the independent structure of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons.
HF 2615 clarifies that Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons are to be conducted as separate stand-alone meets unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing by the recognized horsemen’s associations and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino. The legislation also reinforces the long-standing legislative intent that the breeds race independently and not concurrently without agreement from the affected parties.
“This legislation is critically important to preserving and strengthening Iowa’s Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Jon Moss, Executive Director of the IA HBPA. “HF 2615 provides clarity, stability and confidence for horsemen, breeders, owners, trainers, and the many agricultural businesses connected to racing in Iowa. We are extremely grateful to Governor Reynolds for her support and leadership in signing this important bill into law.”
The IA HBPA also expressed appreciation to legislative leaders in both chambers, along with Representative Heather Hora and Senator Mike Bousselot for their continued support of Iowa horse racing and agriculture.
The bill comes as Iowa’s racehorse industry continues to demonstrate major economic importance across the state. According to the newly released 2025 Economic Impact Study conducted by Blueprint Kentucky at the University of Kentucky, Iowa’s racehorse industry generates approximately $264.6 million annually in economic output and supports more than 2,345 jobs statewide.
The study found the Thoroughbred industry alone accounts for approximately $180.7 million in annual economic impact and supports 1,832 jobs, representing roughly 68% of the industry’s total impact. Further, when removing the pari-mutuel operational impact component, Thoroughbreds account for more than 80% of Iowa’s horse-racing economic activity compared to other breeds.
Among those attending the bill signing ceremony were longtime Iowa horsemen and IA HBPA board members Allen Poindexter, Joe Kelly and Mike Vanderpool — all owner-breeders of Iowa-bred Thoroughbreds who continue to invest heavily in Iowa racing and breeding programs.
Joe Kelly currently serves as Vice President of the IA HBPA and has been a strong advocate for Iowa horsemen and breeders. Allen Poindexter has been one of Iowa’s leading owners and breeders for many years, breeding Iowa-bred horses that have competed successfully across the country and internationally, including Chancheng Glory, an Iowa-bred with racing success in Hong Kong. Mike Vanderpool has likewise remained deeply committed to Iowa breeding and racing through continued investment in Iowa-bred Thoroughbreds with such well-knowns as 13-time winner Tin Badge.
“The success of Iowa racing is built by people willing to invest in Iowa agriculture, Iowa jobs and Iowa-bred horses,” Moss said. “Legislation like HF 2615 gives breeders and owners confidence that Iowa remains committed to maintaining a strong and sustainable Thoroughbred industry for future generations.”
