Stirling to Leave Florida HBPA Post

Kent Stirling, who has served as executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association since 1995, will transition out of the position through the end of this year, the organization announced Oct. 9.

His contract term expires Dec. 31. The Florida HBPA said it will seek a replacement for Stirling during the transition process.

Stirling, known for his outspokenness on Thoroughbred racing issues, developed an interest in medication policy earlier in his career and has served as the longtime chairman of the National HBPA Medication Committee. He also has represented the National HBPA on the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium since the organization was formed.

This year Stirling, a former trainer, was instrumental in Florida adopting national uniform medication rules that were signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.

Stirling served as Florida HBPA president from 1992-95, the first year the organization had the position of executive director.