The Horsemen's Journal - Fall 2012

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volume 59/ # 3

fall

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dePaRTmenTs

2 message fRom The naTional hBPa

7 indusTRy neWs

14 hBPa neWs

16 legislaTive uPdaTe

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18 ReseaRch & medicaTion uPdaTe

22 medicaTion commiTTee coRneR

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meeTing in The midWesT: The naTional hBPa’s 2012 summeR convenTion –

2012 Racing schedule foR noRTh ameRica

the lasix/Salix issue is again the primary topic of discussion at the summer convention at prairie meadows near Des moines, iowa.

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affiliaTe neWs feaTuRes

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Taming Technology To Reach a WideR audience –

PRoTecTing youRself –

elecTion yeaR 2012 BRings exciTing changes and oPPoRTuniTies foR hoRsemen affecTed By immigRaTion – two

handling hoof aBscesses –

Tendon TRouBles –

an overview of what causes hoof abscesses and the best ways to treat, protect and soak a horse’s foot.

Researchers are working on new ways to identify and predict tendon and ligament injuries.

a look at how social media and the internet can help trainers and partnership groups better communicate with current and prospective clients.

the nhbpa owners and trainers liability program can insure horsemen against damages caused by horses or employees.

proposals, one known as the DREam act and the other a provision for forgiveness of illegal entry by immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, should be on the radar screen of all horsemen.

www.nationalhbpa.com

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hj in eveRy iSSUE

message from

the Ceo

deaR hoRseWomen and hoRsemen of The naTional hBPa:

naTional hBPa 870 corporate Drive Suite 300 lexington, KY 40503 p(859) 259-0451 F(859) 259-0452 racing@hbpa.org www.nationalhbpa.com

PResidenT/ chaiRPeRson of The BoaRd Robin Richards fiRsT Regional vice PResidenT Stephanie beattie secReTaRy/ TReasuReR Ron maus chief execuTive officeR phil hanrahan vice PResidenT cenTRal Region leroy Gessmann vice PResidenT easTeRn Region Stephanie beattie vice PResidenT souTheRn Region Rick hiles vice PResidenT WesTeRn Region Ron maus

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fall 12

i WanT To Welcome denis Blake as The neW ediToR of The hoRsemen’s JouRnal. in This fall issue, denis has PRovided us WiTh an excellenT gRouP of aRTicles; Please esPecially look oveR The shoRT aRTicle RegaRding oWneR and TRaineR liaBiliTy insuRance. denis has alReady PRovided The hoRsemen’s JouRnal commiTTee WiTh some suggesTions ThaT Will helP The commiTTee deTeRmine a RecommendaTion To The execuTive commiTTee RegaRding The fuTuRe of The magazine. on a RelaTed noTe, i WanT To Thank RichaRd gloveR foR his many yeaRs of seRvice To The hoRsemen’s JouRnal and The nhBPa. i and eveRyone aT The nhBPa Wish RichaRd The BesT of luck in The fuTuRe. During the past three months, the NHBPA was asked to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Based on his experience as a horseman and his position as the chair of the NHBPA’s Medication Committee, Kent Stirling was selected to be our witness. Frank Petramalo Jr., Kent and a small working group of affiliate and NHBPA leaders prepared a pre-hearing written statement that in part focused on our position that actual non-therapeutic medication (Class 1 and Class 2) violations, referred to as “doping,” are very rare (less than three-hundredths of 1% from 2009 through 2011) and that only a yearly average of 12 trainers (two-tenths of 1% of all trainers) were guilty of doping horses.

Kent, along with various other individuals and Thoroughbred industry group representatives, appeared before the Senate Committee on July 12, 2012. Kent, and to some extent Ed Martin, the president of the Racing Commissioners International, was the only witness speaking in favor of race-day Lasix. In general, Kent’s testimony was that Lasix effectively treats pulmonary bleeding in racehorses, that it is not performance-enhancing and that its use is safe and does not harm horses.

Two weeks after the hearing, our working group prepared and filed a supplemental submission providing copies of scientific studies supporting the NHBPA’s position on Lasix. Thereafter, Senator Udall posed 20 questions to the NHBPA. Our working group prepared responses to these questions. Some of the answers can be summarized as follows: (1) without a doubt, Lasix is effective, and its use is supported by the AAEP; (2) cheaters are people who deliberately give any Class 1 or Class 2 substance (for the most part) to their horses for the purpose of affecting the outcome of a race; (3) we do not object to racing commissions reporting such violators to the FBI; (4) withdrawal times and threshold levels (for clenbuterol) should be scientifically determined and not be based on speculation; (5) any public disclosure of veterinary records of racehorses should be accompanied by an explanation by the treating veterinarian; (6) pre-race veterinary examinations on race day of all horses entered to run that day should be mandatory at all tracks; (7) there should be some reasonable relationship between the claiming price of a race and the size of the purse for that race; and (8) in the interest of horse safety and welfare, we should spend more time and money resolving the issue of track surface and musculoskeletal-related fatalities rather than arguing about Lasix.

On the state level, the Lasix war continues in Kentucky, where, despite the great efforts of the Kentucky HBPA, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission passed a rule that would begin a partial raceday Lasix ban in 2014. It is, however, unknown if the Kentucky Legislature will support such a rule. New York has yet to pass a

rule banning Lasix, but it apparently is still up for debate. West Virginia is going to hold hearings to explore medication issues.

Dermorphin reared its ugly head during the last three months in a number of states. The NHBPA came out strongly against cheaters who are using this drug, and we expressed a zerotolerance policy for trainers found guilty of Class 1 and Class 2 medication violations.

I want to thank the many affiliate boards of directors who recently passed board resolutions supporting the continued regulated use of race-day Lasix for all Thoroughbred horses of racing age for the health of the horse and the safety of the rider.

Our thousands of members who support this position dwarf the 40 to 50 people who have signed a pledge not to race their 2-yearolds on Lasix in 2012.

I want to publically thank the Iowa affiliate in general and Leroy Gessmann, Jon Moss, Barb Carroll and Sharon Bail in particular, plus Kent Stirling, Bob Reeves, Laura Plato and all the committee chairs for all their help in putting on the Summer Convention. A special thanks to the various affiliates who were Summer Convention sponsors and to our national sponsors, Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies, Equineline.com, Horseman Labor Solutions and Finish Line Horse Products Inc., for their continued support.

A brief update on several items: CHRIMS continues to work on the development of a horsemen’s credit union. FIA (Credit) Card Services (Bank of America) has advised the NHBPA that it will be terminating our Affinity Credit Card Program effective December 1, 2012. For those of you who have these credit cards, FIA advises me you will see no changes. Paladin Capital Partners continues to develop their Integrated Digital Solution designed for the horse racing industry and anticipates a commercial launch by the end of this year.

The Claiming Crown will be on December 1, 2012, which is opening day at Gulfstream Park. There will be seven races with purse money of $850,000 this year. The trainer nomination deadline was August 31, 2012, and the subsequent horse nomination deadline is November 9, 2012. If you missed the trainer nomination deadline, you can still nominate via the supplemental nomination deadline, which is November 28, 2012.

See the Claiming Crown website at www.claimingcrown.com for more details.

May the Racing Gods smile on you, and may you have many visits to the winner’s circle.

sinceRely,

phil hanrahan chief Executive officer

conTRiBuToRs Denis Blake Brian W. Fitzgerald Kimberly French Craig McDougal Kent H. Stirling Melissa Sykes Heather Smith Thomas William Velie

The

NaTioNal hBPa

woUlD liKE to thanK itS coRpoRatE

sponsors affiliaTes Board of Directors - Affiliates Dr. David Harrington, Alabama Gary Miller, Arizona Bill Walmsley, Arkansas Jim McFadyen, Canada Ken Lowe, Charles Town Mark McGregor, Colorado Dave Brown, Finger Lakes Phil Combest, Florida Mark Buckley, Idaho John Wainwright, Illinois Randy Klopp, Indiana Leroy Gessmann, Iowa Rick Hiles, Kentucky Stanley Seelig, Louisiana Bobbie Barron, Michigan Tom Metzen, Minnesota R.C. Forster, Montana John W. Baird, Mountaineer Park Todd Veerhusen, Nebraska Anthony Spadea, New England Eric Mikkelson, New Mexico Mark Doering, Ohio Donnie K. Von Hemel, Oklahoma Sue Leslie, Ontario Jim Fergason, Oregon Stephanie Beattie, Pennsylvania Robert Jeffries, Tampa Bay Downs Dr. Tommy Hays, Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, LLP Robin Richards, Virginia Ron Maus, Washington

The views expressed on these pages are those of the authors and/or advertisers, and they may or may not reflect the positions and/or beliefs of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, its officers, or Board of Directors.

The Horsemen’s Journal, Volume 59 #3.

Postal Information: The Horsemen’s Journal (ISSN 0018-5256) is published quarterly by the National Horsemen’s Administration Corporation, with publishing offices at 8609 Glen Canyon Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681-3455. Copyright 2012 all rights reserved.

The Horsemen’s Journal is the official publication for members of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, a representative association of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse owners and trainers. HBPA is a non-profit 501(c)6 Kentucky corporation. Members receive The Horsemen’s Journal as a benefit of membership paid by the national office from affiliate dues. Annual non-member subscriptions are $14. Single-copy back issues, if available, are $7. Canadian subscribers add $6. All other

PhoTogRaPheRs Denis Blake Coady Photography Paul Goodness Merri Melde

sTaff Denis Blake Editor 512-695-4541 E-mail: hj@hbpa.org Jennifer Vanier Allen Advertising Director 512-225-4483 509-272-1640 fax E-mail: advertising@hbpa.org Limb Design www.limbdesign.com Graphic Design The hoRsemen’s JouRnal 870 Corporate Drive, Suite 300 Lexington, KY 40503-5419 Phone: 512-695-4541 Fax: 859-259-0452 E-mail: hj@hbpa.org HBPA Website: www.nationalhbpa.com Cover Photo: Merri Melde

subscriptions outside the U.S. add $20 payable in U. S. funds. To order reprints or subscriptions, call (866) 245-1711.

The HBPA National Board of Directors has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business required of the association. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and/or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinion or policy of the publisher or HBPA board or staff. Query the editor prior to sending any manuscripts.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Round Rock, Texas and additional mailing offices.

CANADA POST: Publications mail agreement no. 41530527. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: P. O. Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Horsemen’s Journal, P. O. Box 911188, Lexington, KY 40591-1188.

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industry news

hj nEwS

thE JocKEY clUb pRoJEctS 2013 Foal cRop at 24,700, esTimaTes foR 2010 and 2011 cRoPs Revised

The Jockey Club is projecting a 2013 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 24,700, the same number that was projected for the 2012 crop one year ago. The estimate was announced on August 11 by Matt Iuliano, the organization’s executive vice president and executive director.

The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2012 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season.

Like the 2012 foal crop projection, 2013 is projected to have the smallest foal crop since 1971, when 24,301 foals were registered.

Iuliano also announced that foal crop projections for 2010 and 2011 have been revised downward by 1,500 foals for each year.

“We have revised downward the estimates for the foal crops of 2010 and

2011 by 1,500 foals each,” Iuliano said. “The rate of registered foals produced from the number of mares bred has not met historical rates for these two foal crops.”

The projected foal crop for 2010 is now 28,500, and the estimate for 2011 is now 25,500.

Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2012 breeding season are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Submission of RMBs can be accomplished quickly and easily through Interactive RegistrationTM, the online service that enables registered users to perform virtually all registration-related activities over the Internet. Interactive Registration is available at registry. jockeyclub.com.

Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s Online Fact Book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the state fact books at jockeyclub. com/statefactbook.asp.

thoRoUGhbRED waGERinG, PuRses and Race days decline in July BuT sTill uP foR yeaR According to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase Company LLC, wagering, purses and race days all declined in July compared to the same month in 2011, but the year-to-date totals remained slightly ahead through the first seven months of 2012.

For the month of July, wagering on U.S. races dipped 7.37% while purses declined by 2.63% and race days dropped by 5.43%. For the first seven months of 2012, wagering and race days are up marginally by 0.89% and 0.49%, respectively, while purses are up 6.27% for the year.

EqUibaSE intRoDUcES mobilE ViRtUal StablE anD REDESiGnED wEb VERSion, adds neW sTaTs Equibase Company LLC, the Thoroughbred industry’s official database for racing information, has enhanced its free Virtual Stable e-mail notification service to make it accessible via its mobile site and has also upgraded the web version, as recently announced by Equibase Company President and COO Hank Zeitlin.

“Smartphones have changed the way fans follow horse racing, and now with Virtual Stable incorporated into mobile.equibase.com, fans can use their phone to immediately add a horse to their stable no matter where they are,” said Zeitlin. “At the same time, they can maintain their entire stable from their mobile device. We have also streamlined the navigation on the web version and made the experience much simpler for fans using their computers or iPads.”

The Equibase Virtual Stable apprises customers of racing activity that is important to them. In addition to horse notifications, Virtual Stable enables customers to follow individual jockeys, trainers and tracks, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes races, the leading contenders on the Road to the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships and large carryover pools.

Equibase has also introduced personalized racing highlights for all individual profile pages and the ability to sort leaders’ lists by a variety of new categories in the Stats Central section on equibase.com.

“The new racing highlights section at the top of every individual profile page provides a ‘tale of the tape’-like list featuring the best racing achievements for horses and people,” said Chris Dawahare, manager of eBusiness Operations and Development for Equibase Company. “And the new sorting feature gives fans easy access to statistics on leading horses, jockeys, trainers or owners—not just by overall earnings and wins—but in a wide variety of categories.”

The racing highlights section within all individual profile pages for horses, jockeys, trainers and owners includes a listing of their respective best racing class achieved as well as a listing of performances in Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Championships races. The section also highlights where the horse or person ranked if within the top 100 for earnings and wins with a link to that specific year.

The expanded North American racing leaders’ lists include all horses, jockeys, trainers and owners annually back to 2000, and these lists are now sortable by categories such as sex, age, track surface and stakes (including graded) races. In addition to the aforementioned categories, the jockeys’ and trainers’ lists can also be sorted by first-time starters. Owners’ lists can be sorted by stakes winners and graded stakes winners.

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industry news EclipSE awaRDS SEt FoR JanuaRy 19 aT gulfsTReam PaRk The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced on June 28 that the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

The Eclipse Awards—which will feature a ‘Miami Chic’ theme with black-tie attire optional—will cap off a weeklong series of events, several of which will be tied to charity. The tentative schedule of events includes a golf tournament, celebrity poker and slots tournaments, a special handicapping expo presented by Daily Racing Form, a handicapping tournament qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas, autograph sessions with Eclipse Award nominees and past champions and other events themed around

Eclipse Awards Champions Week at Gulfstream Park.

“Next January’s event will incorporate an exciting series of fan-friendly components that will allow many more people to be a part of an event honoring excellence in Thoroughbred racing,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. The Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup, are named after the great 18th-century racehorse and foundation sire Eclipse, who began racing at age five and was undefeated in 18 starts, including eight walkovers. Eclipse sired the winners of 344 races, including three Epsom Derbies.

bREEDERS’ cUp to REtURn To sanTa aniTa foR 2013 The Breeders’ Cup announced that the 30th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2, 2013.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious global event, annually attracts the best horses from around the world. The Breeders’ Cup consists of 15 races with purses totaling more than $25 million over the two-day event.

Santa Anita, which will also be the site of this year’s Breeders’ Cup on November 2-3, has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships five times, most recently back-to-back editions in 2008 and 2009, both of which set new records for attendance and wagering.

The 2013 Breeders’ Cup will be televised on the NBC Sports Network, and the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (Gr. I) will be shown live in primetime on NBC from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on November 3. The NBC Sports Network is also televising this year’s Breeders’ Cup. “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Santa Anita to celebrate

the 30th edition of our Championships in Southern California and for the unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Breeders’ Cup Classic in primetime for a second consecutive year,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel. “We are equally looking forward to bringing racing fans a world-class event at one of the world’s greatest racing venues. Southern California and the greater Los Angeles community are always exceptional hosts for fans and horsemen alike from the event’s launch in 1984 and, most recently, at the 2008 and 2009 World Championships.”

The 2013 running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships marks the 10th time the event will be held in Southern California over its 30-year history. According to a study by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the Breeders’ Cup generated in excess of $60 million in economic impact in the Los Angeles area in both 2008 and 2009. Next year’s running will mark the seventh time that Santa Anita will host the Breeders’ Cup, after hosting the event in 1986, 1993, 2003, 2008, 2009 and the upcoming 2012 edition.

Breeders’ Cup officials indicated that no decisions have been made on host sites beyond 2013 and that the organization remains open to visiting markets that can accommodate its two-day event during its traditional fall timing, provide world-class hospitality for participants and guests and showcase the world’s best Thoroughbred racing.

Jim ShoEmaKE ElEctED chaiRman of ameRican hoRse council Jim J. Shoemake, past president of the American Quarter Horse Association and senior partner in the St. Louis law firm of Guilfoil, Petzall & Shoemake LLC, was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the American Horse Council (AHC) at the AHC’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on June 26. The AHC represents the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington.

Shoemake and his wife, Rita, own a farm near Farmington, Missouri, and have been involved in breeding and raising registered American Quarter Horses for many years. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington University and is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law. Shoemake is chairman of the board of directors of Lindenwood University, founded in 1827, and serves on the boards of a number of other charitable and not-for-profit entities, including the American Quarter Horse Association, the Urological Research Foundation and the Missouri Quarter Horse Association.

Shoemake succeeds Russell Williams, vice chairman of the United States 8

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Trotting Association.

“We are very fortunate to have Jim as the chair of the AHC,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “His broad background in the horse industry, his legal skills and his legislative experience when he worked in the U.S. Department of Justice will be great assets to the organization.”

“I appreciate the confidence the AHC has shown in me by electing me chair,” said Shoemake. “We have some difficult issues before Congress and several agencies, but we will continue to protect the horse industry.”

Dr. Jerry Black, past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, was elected AHC vice chair. Dr. Black received his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University.

He is presently the Wagonhound Land and Livestock Chair and director of undergraduate programs in equine sciences at Colorado State University. Dr. Black recently completed two terms on the executive committee of the National Cutting Horse Association. He also owns Valley Oak Ranch, a stallion station, with his wife, Melinda.

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miKE ZiEGlER namED execuTive diRecToR of ThoRoughBRed afTeRcaRe alliance The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced on June 1 that Mike Ziegler has been named the organization’s executive director, effective immediately. Since March, Ziegler had served as the TAA’s interim executive director. He will continue to serve in his ongoing role as executive director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.

“I am proud to take a formal position of leadership at an organization that is so important to the future of the Thoroughbred industry,” said Ziegler.

“I thank Jack Wolf, Madeline Auerbach and all the members of the TAA for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our retired Thoroughbred athletes.”

“During the early days of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, it became apparent that Mike’s expertise and breadth of experience would be invaluable as we moved forward on this vital initiative,” said TAA Board President and Thoroughbred owner Jack Wolf. “It is the responsibility of anyone who has a stake in the game to take responsibility to support the aftercare of these great animals who are the intrinsic center of our sport.”

“With Mike’s leadership, we will improve upon the current level of Thoroughbred aftercare, and all industry stakeholders are going to be a part of the solution,” said TAA Board Executive Vice President Madeline Auerbach.

“Together, we will see to it that retired racehorses receive the care and second careers that they deserve.”

“Thoroughbred aftercare is a key component of the Safety and Integrity Alliance, and so Mike’s new responsibilities merge nicely with his ongoing role of overseeing day-to-day activities of the Alliance,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA is designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.

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60th annUal RoUnD tablE conFEREncE video RePlay, TRanscRiPTs and slides noW availaBle A video replay, official transcripts and slide presentations from The Jockey Club’s 60th Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing are now available on The Jockey Club’s website, www.jockeyclub.com.

The conference was held Sunday, August 12, at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, New York. Medication and performance-enhancing drugs were major themes of the conference.

The keynote address was delivered by Travis T. Tygart, chief executive officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

The Jockey Club Round Table Conference was first held on July 1, 1953, in The Jockey Club office in New York City. The following year, it was moved to Saratoga Springs, where it has been held every August since.

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Now AvAilAble Through The Apple STore for your iphoNe, ipAd ANd ipod Touch deviceS or Through The webSiTe

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Streaming LIVE VIDEO // Race REPLAYS // Save your favorite racetracks, horses trainers or jockeys // PUSH NOTIFICATIONS for each favorite, so you never miss a race again // Workout notifications on favorite horses // Overnight entries for upcoming races // Results and payoffs delivered quickly // Search engine to find race replays // Links to your wagering account // Access to Equibase PP’s and Ragazin Sheets

If your track isn’t listed, contact them and let them know you want them to participate!

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HBPA AFFILIATES

hBpA NEWS

PASS FORMAL RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF RACE-DAY LASIx

Twenty-five state-affiliates of the National HBPA, representing approximately 29,000 Thoroughbred owners and trainers, have passed formal board of directors resolutions supporting the continued regulated use of race-day Lasix/Salix for all Thoroughbred horses of racing age for the health and welfare of their horses and the safety of their riders. Other National HBPA affiliates are in the process of polling their directors regarding similar board resolutions.

To date, affiliates passing board resolutions include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, Charles Town, Finger Lakes, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mountaineer Park, Nebraska, New England, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tampa, Virginia and Washington.

Notable owners Maggi Moss and Ken and Sarah Ramsey are among those who concur with this Lasix position, as do leading trainers Dale Romans, Larry Jones and Bob Baffert.

“These affiliate board resolutions demonstrate to one and all that the vast majority of owners and trainers in the United States and Canada support the use of race-day Lasix,” stated Robin Richards, chair and president of the National HBPA. Richards added, “Owners and trainers who are at the barn every day

dealing directly with their horses know that Lasix is a safe, effective and beneficial medication for the prevention and treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).”

The National HBPA has always held that uniform national medication rules must be based solely on scientific proof and not passionate belief. The 2009 study by Hinchcliff, Morley and Guthrie (Efficacy of furosemide for prevention of exercised-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in Thoroughbred race horses, J. Am Vet Med Assoc 2009, 235:76-82), funded in large part by the U.S. Jockey Club, found that administering Lasix before a race dramatically decreased the incidence and severity of pulmonary bleeding. Horses were three to four times more likely to have evidence of pulmonary bleeding without Lasix and were seven to 11 times more likely to have moderate to severe bleeding without it.

“The scientific research incontestably establishes that Lasix allows a horse to only run to its God-given potential, not faster than its potential,” stated Phil Hanrahan, CEO of the NHBPA. “The NHBPA challenges any organization or individual that supports a ban on race-day Lasix to provide us, and the Thoroughbred racing industry as a whole, with scientific support for their position that race-day Lasix should be banned because Lasix is detrimental to the horse.”

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CLAIMING CROWN ANNOUNCES

NEW NOMINATION PROCESS

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Denis Blake

Claiming Crown Limited has announced a new nomination process for the 2012 Claiming Crown to be held at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, December 1. The new nomination process for the seven races with a total of $850,000 in purses has been streamlined and changed so that both trainers and horses must be nominated to the event.

“Rather than having trainers nominating horses this far out from the Claiming Crown, we felt it would be easier to change the nominating process,” said Dan Bork, racing secretary at Gulfstream Park. “Trainers who nominate a horse in August for the event may not have that horse by December 1. We believe this also gives trainers the ability to get a horse for one of the Claiming Crown’s seven races or make a horse they currently have eligible for the event.

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We think this will also continue to create interest in the Claiming Crown.”

The first important date in the new process was August 31. On or before that date, trainers must have paid a $100 fee to be eligible to nominate horses to the 2012 Claiming Crown. Similar to a seat license, this fee enables a trainer to nominate horses by regular nomination. Trainers not making this payment will only be able to nominate horses through supplemental nomination.

Eligible trainers may nominate horses to Claiming Crown races on or before November 9. In a change from prior years, both the horse and Claiming Crown race must be named at the time of nomination.

Supplemental nominations and entries will be taken on November 28.

For further details on the event’s race lineup, purse structure, nomination and entry deadline schedule and eligibility dates, please visit www.claimingcrown.com or contact Andy Schweigardt at andys@toba.org or Kevin Meyocks at kevin.meyocks@gulfstreampark.com.

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Hawthorne’s Ice-O-Gel is a tightener and freeze that aids in the treatment of tendon and ligament problems, like bowed tendons, stocking up (edema), suspensory ligament damage and wind puffs.

Ice-O-Gel cools, draws and tightens with little or no scurfing. Visit Hawthorne-Products.com to learn how our complete line of products will maintain the health of your horse.

Visit hawthorne-products.com or call 800.548.5658 for more information www.nationalhbpa.com 15

By Brian W. Fitzgerald, American Continental Group

nAtionAl hBpA

legislAtive

upDAte

nEwS

MeDicAtion

internet gAMing

On July 12, 2012, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing on “Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing.” Kent Stirling testified at the hearing on behalf of the National HBPA. Kent testified in the first of two panels of witnesses that included Barry Irwin, CEO of Team Valor International; Jeffrey Gural, chairman of American Racing and Entertainment (Standardbred racing); and Jim Gagliano, president of The Jockey Club. The second panel of witnesses included Matthew Witman, national director of the American Quarter Horse Association; Marc Paulhus, former director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society; Ed Martin, CEO of the Association of Racing Commissioners International; and Sheila Lyons, DVM. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), the sponsor of S.886, the Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act, chaired the hearing, and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Senator John Thune (R-SD) both attended.

Kent Stirling and Ed Martin were the only two witnesses who testified who are opposed to Senator Udall’s medication bill, S.886, and banning the use of Lasix on race day. Following the hearing, the National HBPA filed a supplemental submission with the Senate Commerce Committee to rebut Dr. Lyons’ testimony that the NHBPA’s claims about the efficacy of Lasix were, in her words, “a lie.” Also, shortly after filing its supplemental submission with the Senate Commerce Committee, the National HBPA received a list of 20 questions from the committee that were posed by Senator Tom Udall. The National HBPA’s answers to Senator Udall’s questions were filed with the committee on August 1 and will be included in the committee’s July 12th hearing record.

The proponents of federal Internet poker legislation continue to seek to build support for Internet poker legislation on Capitol Hill in the event an opportunity presents itself to attach an Internet poker bill to an end-of-the-year catch-all legislative package.

iMMigrAtion On June 14, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies FY 2013 appropriations bill with legislative language included therein that would prevent the new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) H-2B rules and DOL H-2B Wage Methodology rule from being implemented through September 2013. Additionally, on July 17, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies approved its FY 2013 appropriations bill with the same H-2B language the Senate Appropriations Committee included in its bill.

On July 31, in order to avoid a spending showdown prior to the November elections, the Congressional leadership announced it has agreed to approve a six-month continuing resolution (CR) when it returns from the August recess in September. As a result, it will be necessary for the H-2B language included in the House and Senate Appropriations FY 2013 Labor, HHS and Related Agencies bills to be added to the CR in September. Will Velie’s immigration team, along with the H-2B Workforce Coalition, are working diligently to have both the DOL H-2B methodology rule and the new DOL H-2B rules included in the new CR. This was done successfully last year with the DOL H-2B wage methodology rule.

Denis Blake

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Iron rIch MultI-VItaMIn SuppleMent truSted by top traInerS and chaMpIonS. Supports normal blood cell health, which is essential for the transportation of oxygen and maintaining energy and performance demands.

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©2009 Farnam Companies, Inc. 09-0295 Red Cell and the Horse Health logo are registered trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc. www.nationalhbpa.com 17

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+ RESEARCH MEDICATION UPDATE FY AT-RISK HORSES

TO IDENTI THE JOCKEY CLUB ANNOUNCES PROJECT

the Jockey club on June 13 announced plans to develop a statistics-based system that would notify track officials and regulatory veterinarians when a horse that has been entered in a race is facing a heightened risk of injury.

Dr. Tim Parkin, a noted epidemiologist from the University of Glasgow who has conducted research and studies on Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, is currently developing the protocols, which are based on The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database.

“This project provides us with an exciting opportunity to identify the top risk profiles and focus our interventions on the horses that fit those profiles,” said Dr. Parkin, who made a presentation on the potential of such a system at The Jockey Club’s Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing in Saratoga Springs, New York, in August 2011.

That presentation centered on a complex analysis of data that included more than 1.5 million race starts to identify risk factors for injury. For example, a horse that had made numerous starts in a period between one and six months, while also meeting other similar criteria, would fit the highest risk profile.

“With this system in place, we can identify the population of horses at markedly increased risk—and potentially implement measures to mitigate that risk,” Dr. Parkin said.

Using data from the Equine Injury Database, racing officials and regulatory veterinarians would receive automatic notifications from racing office software tools provided by InCompass Solutions Inc. The alerts would indicate, based on statistical analysis

of patterns in past performances, when a horse presented a heightened risk of injury and needed a closer inspection. Those notices would be sent to regulatory veterinarians and racing office personnel at the racetrack.

“This development has the potential to be among the most significant advances in the safety of our equine and human athletes,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “It is only possible because of the excellent participation by racetracks in the Equine Injury Database, which now contains approximately 37,000 injury reports from 86 tracks, representing more than 92 percent of North American racing days.”

Gagliano noted that The Jockey Club, through InCompass, would provide these tools to racetrack and regulatory officials for no additional fee and that The Jockey Club will be collaborating with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to develop the examination protocols that would be used to assist regulatory veterinarians dealing with horses deemed to be at-risk.

“The AAEP routinely and actively participates in a wide variety of programs designed to maintain and improve the health and welfare of the horse,” said Dr. John Mitchell, president of AAEP. “Our veterinarians and staff will proudly share their expertise with Dr. Parkin and his team as they create the examination protocols that will benefit the Thoroughbred industry.”

WELFARE AND SAFETY OF THE RACEHORSE SUMMIT IV SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 16-17 AT KEENELAND the Jockey club and Grayson-Jockey club Research Foundation announced on July 24 that a fourth welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held tuesday, october 16, and wednesday, october 17, 2012, in lexington, Kentucky.

Like the three previous summits, held in October 2006, March 2008 and June 2010, the fourth summit will be underwritten and coordinated by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and hosted by Keeneland Association in the sales pavilion.

The two-day workshop will bring together a wide cross-section of the breeding, racing and veterinary communities.

“These conferences have served as a think-tank for our industry, and several initiatives that have improved the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing, including the Equine Injury Database, grew out of discussions at previous editions of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit,” said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

“We are once again particularly grateful to Keeneland for hosting this important event and for once again producing a live video stream of the open sessions on its website so that anyone with an interest in equine safety can follow the proceedings.”

Bowen said that a formal agenda and additional details about the event will be announced in the near future. “For now, we wanted 18

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primarily to get the date out there so people would be aware of it,” he said.

“As traditions go, playing host to the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summits is one of our newer ones here at Keeneland, but we are immensely proud of our association with the event,” said Bill Thomason, who will succeed Nick Nicholson as president and chief executive officer of Keeneland Association Inc. in September.

“Keeneland strives to improve the Thoroughbred industry in any way it can, and these summits certainly do that.”

Among the major accomplishments that have evolved from the previous three summits are the creation and launch of the Equine Injury Database, the first North American database of racing injuries; the creation and launch of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, which provides science-based testing of racing surfaces to enhance safety for horse and rider; the incorporation of proposed safety and welfare recommendations from the first two summits into the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance Code of Standards; the production and widespread distribution of an educational DVD on shoeing and hoof care; and the publication of stallion durability statistics.

DECEMBER

Distance Date Stakes Name Conditions /Surface Purse 12.01.12 The Iron Horse 3yo & up 1 1/16 M $100K 12.01.12 The Express 3yo & up 6F $100K 12.01.12 The Glass Slipper Fillies & Mares 3yo & up 7F $100K 12.01.12 The Rapid Transit 3yo & up 7F $100K 12.01.12 The Tiara Fillies & Mares 3yo & up 1 1/16 M (T) $125K 12.01.12 The Emerald 3yo & up 1 1/16 M (T) $125K 12.01.12 The Jewel 3yo & up 1 1/8 M $200K 12.02.12 The Sunshine State & biomedical 3yo Sciences & up (FLB) recently announced 7F $60K cornell University college of Veterinary medicine and texas a&m college of Veterinary medicine a 12.08.12 The Sugar Swirl (III) Fillies & Mares 3yo & up 6F $100K groundbreaking partnership with pfizer animal health. this unique partnership between academia and industry will deliver the Universities’ expertise 12.09.12 The South Beach Fillies & Mares 3yo & up 7 1/2 F (T) $100K in medicine and teaching, supported by pfizer animal health’s information delivery andBeach customer service know-how. together, the partnership will 12.15.12 The Dania 2yo 1 M (T) $100K 12.16.12 The Harlan’s Holiday 3yotechnologies. & up 1 1/16 M $100K offer veterinarians convenient web-based educational products utilizing the latest advances in educational 12.22.12 The El Prado 3yo & up 1 M (T) $75K collaboration, two veterinary Practicing veterinarians need 12.29.12 The Mr. Prospector (III)colleges of3yo & up medicine and Pfizer 6 F Animal Health $100K are developing will 1revolutionize education access to high quality educational 12.30.12 The Ocala a unique public-private Fillies &partnership Mares 3yo & that up (FLB) M $60K

TExAS A&M AND CORNELL COLLEGES OF VETERINARY MEDICINE JOIN FORCES WITH PFIZER ANIMAL HEALTH IN A FIRST-IN-KIND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE A STATE-OF-TH E-ART LEARNING ExPERIENCE FOR VETERINARIANS

opportunities throughout their career and learning. A distinguishing factor that will set this educational content Distance subject matter since the knowledge base thatJANUARY drives apart is that the academic partners are providing not only Date Stakes Name Conditions /Surface Purse expertise and peer review, but also pedagogical expertise, which will result veterinary medicine continues 1.01.13 to The Gulfstream Park Derby 3yo 1M $100K in transformative Texas evolve after professionals have earned their degree. The partnership between 1.01.13 The Old Hat (III) learning experiences.

Fillies 3yoThe excitement in the 6 Fair on the $100K A&M campus Bid is palpable, and3yowe are looking forward not6 only with Cornell, Texas A&M, and Pfizer Animal Health will seek to transform the 1.01.13 The Spectacular F to working $100K Cornell but also toFillies including learning process, providing practitioners with unique opportunities to stay1.01.13 The GingerUniversity, Brew 3yo content experts from 1 1/16other M (T)veterinary $75K 1.05.13 Marshua’s River (III) & Mares & up DABVP, 1 1/16 $100K institutions,” said Eleanor M.Fillies Green, DVM, 4yo DACVIM, CarlMB.(T)King Dean current with the latest discoveries in veterinary medicine, hone in their clinical 1.12.13 The Fort Lauderdale (III) Texas4yo & up 1 1/16 M (T)Medicine $100K & of Veterinary Medicine, A&M University College of Veterinary skills, incorporate current medical advances into decisions that affect patient Hal’s HopeSciences.

(III) 4yo & up 1M $100K Biomedical care, and build more profitable practices. This collaboration will leverage1.13.13 The 1.19.13 Eclipse Awards Day “Ultimately, the goal is to support and bolster veterinarians in their technology to ensure convenient, round-the-clock access to these educational 1.19.13 Sunshine Millions Classic 4yo & up 1 1/8 M pursuit of excellence and improve the quality of animal care,” said Dr.$400K Michael opportunities.

1.19.13 Sunshine Millions Distaff Fillies & Mares 4yo & up 1 1/8 M $300K I. Kotlikoff, Austin Cornell This partnership will utilize advanced technology to make high quality, 1.19.13 Sunshine Millions Turf O. Hooey Dean 4yo &ofupVeterinary Medicine at 1 1/8 M (T) University. $150K “This state-of-the-art environment encourage innovation and lifelong learning more accessible to veterinarians. The educational platform 1.19.13 Sunshine Millions F&M Turflearning Fillies & Mares 4yowill & up 1 1/8 M (T) $150K flexibilityMillions in theSprint profession, while the needs of all6 Fthose involved by will allow practitioners and students to learn in an online environment that is 1.19.13 Sunshine 4yo &meeting up $150K aligningMillions the abilities of the veterinarian needs interactive, experiential, and flexes to accommodate different styles of learning.

1.19.13 Sunshine F&M Sprint Fillies & Mareswith 4yotheir & up clients’ 6 Fand patients’ $150K 1.20.13 The Joy to an identified 3yo need among practice owners 1 1/16toMmaintain (T) $100K andKitten’s responding their “It is not very often in one’s academic lifetime that an opportunity arises Holyimprove Bull (III) their approach3yo 1 1/16 M $400K skills, to practice management, and continually develop which, if pursued, allows substantial change in our profession. I believe 1.26.13 The Forward Gal (II) knowledge.”

Fillies 3yo 7F $200K their professional this partnership is just one of those opportunities. In the truest sense of 1.26.13 The 1.27.13 The Sweetest Chant

2012-2013

THOROUGHBRED

STAKES RACING SCHEDULE

954-454-7000 gulfstreampark.com follow us

FEBRUARY Date 2.02.13 2.02.13 2.09.13 2.09.13 2.09.13 2.09.13 2.10.13 2.16.13 2.16.13 2.17.13 2.23.13 2.23.13 2.23.13 2.24.13

Stakes Name Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint The Hutcheson (II) The Donn Handicap (I) Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (I) The Suwannee River (III) The Gulfstream Park Sprint (II) The Hurricane Bertie (III) The Very One (III) The Mac Diarmida (II) The Sabin (III) The Canadian Turf (III) The Fountain of Youth (II) The Davona Dale (II) The Ladies Turf Sprint

Fillies 3yo

1 M (T)

$100K

Conditions 4yo & up 3yo 4yo & up 4yo & up Fillies & Mares 4yo & up 4yo & up Fillies & Mares 4yo & up Fillies & Mares 4yo & up 4yo & up Fillies & Mares 4yo & up 4yo & up 3yo Fillies 3yo Fillies & Mares 4yo & up

Distance /Surface 5 F (T) 7F 1 1/8 M 1 1/8 M (T) 1 1/8 M (T) 7F 6 1/2 F 1 3/8 M (T) 1 3/8 M (T) 1 1/16 M 1 M (T) 1 1/16 M 1 1/16 M 5 F (T)

Purse $75K $150K $500K $300K $150K $150K $150K $100K $150K $100K $150K $400K $250K $60K

MARCH

Distance /Surface Purse 7F $150K 1 1/8 M (T) $100K 1 1/8 M (T) $150K 1M $300K 1 M (T) $100K 7F $150K 1 1/2 M (T) $150K 1 1/8 M $1 MIL 1 1/8 M $300K 1 3/16 M $100K 1 M (T) $100K 1 1/8 M $150K 1 1/2 M (T) $150K 6 1/2 F $75K

APRIL

Distance /Surface 7 1/2 F

Date 3.02.13 3.02.13 3.03.13 3.09.13 3.16.13 3.17.13 3.23.13 3.30.13 3.30.13 3.30.13 3.30.13 3.30.13 3.30.13 3.30.13

Stakes Name Conditions The Swale (III) 3yo The Herecomesthebride (III) Fillies 3yo The Palm Beach (III) 3yo The Gulfstream Park Handicap (II) 4yo & up The Honey Fox (III) Fillies & Mares 4yo & up The Inside Information (II) Fillies & Mares 4yo & up The Pan American (II) 4yo & up The Florida Derby (I) 3yo The Gulfstream Park Oaks (II) Fillies 3yo The Skip Away (III) 4yo & up The Appleton (III) 4yo & up The Rampart (III) Fillies & Mares 4yo & up The Orchid (III) Fillies & Mares 4yo & up The Sir Shackleton 4yo & up

Date Stakes Name Conditions 4.05.13 The GP Aftercare Stallion Stakes 3yo & up

Purse $60K

www.nationalhbpa.com

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Think stomach ulcers don’t affect performance?

Get real.

Real world.

Real medicine.

*Research has detected stomach ulcers in 93 percent 2 of racehorses, 63 percent of nonracing competition horses 4 and even 51 percent of foals.

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. GASTROGARD is indicated for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and foals 4 weeks and older. In efficacy trials, no adverse reactions were observed. Safety in pregnant or lactating mares has not been determined. DO NOT USE IN HORSES INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Market research data on file at Merial.

Murray MJ, Schusser GF, Pipers FS, Gross SJ. Factors associated with gastric lesions in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J; 1996;28:368-374.

Mitchell RD. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in hunter/jumper and dressage horses evaluated for poor performance. Association for Equine Sports Medicine, September 2001.

4 Murray MJ. Endoscopic appearance of gastric lesions in foals: 94 cases (1987-1988). JAVMA; 1989;195(8):1135-1141.

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2 3

®GASTROGARD is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca Group of Companies. ©2012 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIGGD907-C (06/09)

MELAUGRD9061

Oral Paste for Horses and Foals NADA 141-123, Approved by FDA Caution Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Description Chemical name: 5-Methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole.

Empirical formula: C17H19N3O3S. Molecular weight: 345.42. Structural formula: OCH3 How Supplied H3C CH3 OCH3 O N GastroGard® (omeprazole) Paste for horses contains 37% w/w omeprazole N S and is available in an adjustable-dose syringe. Each syringe contains 2.28 g of N omeprazole. Syringes are calibrated according to body weight and are available H in boxes of 7 units or 72 units.

Storage Conditions Store at 68°F – 77°F (20-25°C). Excursions between 59°F – 86°F (15-30°C) are permitted.

Indications For treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and foals 4 weeks of age and older.

Dosage Regimen For treatment of gastric ulcers, GastroGard Paste should be administered orally once-a-day for 4 weeks at the recommended dosage of 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (4 mg/kg). For the prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers, continue treatment for at least an additional 4 weeks by administering GastroGard Paste at the recommended daily maintenance dose of 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg).

Directions For Use • GastroGard Paste for horses is recommended for use in horses and foals 4 weeks of age and older. The contents of one syringe will dose a 1250 lb (568 kg) horse at the rate of 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (4 mg/kg). For treatment of gastric ulcers, each weight marking on the syringe plunger will deliver sufficient omeprazole to treat 250 lb (114 kg) body weight. For prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers, each weight marking will deliver sufficient omeprazole to dose 500 lb (227 kg) body weight.

• To deliver GastroGard Paste at the treatment dose rate of 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (4 mg/kg), set the syringe plunger to the appropriate weight marking according to the horse’s weight in pounds.

• To deliver GastroGard Paste at the dose rate of 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) to prevent recurrence of ulcers, set the syringe plunger to the weight marking corresponding to half of the horse’s weight in pounds.

• To set the syringe plunger, unlock the knurled ring by rotating it 1/4 turn. Slide the knurled ring along the plunger shaft so that the side nearest the barrel is at the appropriate notch. Rotate the plunger ring 1/4 turn to lock it in place and ensure it is locked. Make sure the horse’s mouth contains no feed. Remove the cover from the tip of the syringe, and insert the syringe into the horse’s mouth at the interdental space. Depress the plunger until stopped by the knurled ring. The dose should be deposited on the back of the tongue or deep into the cheek pouch. Care should be taken to ensure that the horse consumes the complete dose. Treated animals should be observed briefly after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If any of the dose is lost, redosing is recommended.

• If, after dosing, the syringe is not completely empty, it may be reused on following days until emptied. Replace the cap after each use.

Warning Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion, contact a physician. Physicians may contact a poison control center for advice concerning accidental ingestion.

Adverse Reactions In efficacy trials, when the drug was administered at 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb (4 mg/kg) body weight daily for 28 days and 0.9 mg omeprazole/lb (2 mg/kg)body weight daily for 30 additional days, no adverse reactions were observed.

Precautions The safety of GastroGard Paste has not been determined in pregnant or lactating mares.

Clinical Pharmacology Mechanism of Action: Omeprazole is a gastric acid pump inhibitor that regulates the final step in hydrogen ion production and blocks gastric acid secretion regardless of the stimulus. Omeprazole irreversibly binds to the gastric parietal cell’s H+, K+ ATPase enzyme which pumps hydrogen ions into the lumen of the stomach in exchange for potassium ions. Since omeprazole accumulates in the cell canaliculi and is irreversibly bound to the effect site, the plasma concentration at steady state is not directly related to the amount that is bound to the enzyme. The relationship between omeprazole action and plasma concentration is a function of the rate-limiting process of H+, K+ ATPase activity/turnover. Once all of the enzyme becomes bound, acid secretion resumes only after new H+, K+ ATPase is synthesized in the parietal cell (i.e., the rate of new enzyme synthesis exceeds the rate of inhibition).

Pharmacodynamics: In a study of pharmacodynamic effects using horses with gastric cannulae, secretion of gastric acid was inhibited in horses given 4 mg omeprazole/kg/day. After the expected maximum suppression of gastric acid secretion was reached (5 days), the actual secretion of gastric acid was reduced by 99%, 95% and 90% at 8, 16, and 24 hours, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics: In a pharmacokinetic study involving thirteen healthy, mixed breed horses (8 female, 5 male) receiving multiple doses of omeprazole paste (1.8 mg/lb once daily for fifteen days) in either a fed or fasted state, there was no evidence of drug accumulation in the plasma when comparing the extent of systemic exposure (AUC0-∞). When comparing the individual bioavailability data (AUC0-∞, Cmax, and Tmax measuremen ts) across the study days, there was great inter- and intrasubject variability in the rate and extent of product absorption. Also, the extent of omeprazole absorption in horses was reduced by approximately 67% in the presence of food. This is evidenced by the observation that the mean AUC0-∞ values measured during the fifth day of omeprazole therapy when the animals were fasted for 24 hours was approximately three times greater than the AUC estimated after the first and fifteenth doses when the horses were fed hay ad libitum and sweet feed (grain) twice daily. Prandial status did not affect the rate of drug elimination. The terminal half-life estimates (N=38) ranged from approximately one-half to eight hours.

Efficacy Dose Confirmation: GastroGard® (omeprazole) Paste, administered to provide omeprazole at 1.8 mg/lb (4 mg/kg) daily for 28 days, effectively healed or reduced the severity of gastric ulcers in 92% of omeprazole-treated horses. In comparison, 32% of controls exhibited healed or less severe ulcers. Horses enrolled in this study were healthy animals confirmed to have gastric ulcers by gastroscopy. Subsequent daily administration of GastroGard Paste to provide omeprazole at 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) for 30 days prevented recurrence of gastric ulcers in 84% of treated horses, whereas ulcers recurred or became more severe in horses removed from omeprazole treatment.

Clinical Field Trials: GastroGard Paste administered at 1.8 mg/lb (4 mg/kg) daily for 28 days healed or reduced the severity of gastric ulcers in 99% of omeprazoletreated horses. In comparison, 32.4% of control horses had healed ulcers or ulcers which were reduced in severity. These trials included horses of various breeds and under different management conditions, and included horses in race or show training, pleasure horses, and foals as young as one month. Horses enrolled in the efficacy trials were healthy animals confirmed to have gastric ulcers by gastroscopy. In these field trials, horses readily accepted GastroGard Paste. There were no drug related adverse reactions. In the clinical trials, GastroGard Paste was used concomitantly with other therapies, which included: anthelmintics, antibiotics, non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, diuretics, tranquilizers and vaccines.

Diagnostic and Management Considerations: The following clinical signs may be associated with gastric ulceration in adult horses: inappetence or decreased appetite, recurrent colic, intermittent loose stools or chronic diarrhea, poor hair coat, poor body condition, or poor performance. Clinical signs in foals may include: bruxism (grinding of teeth), excessive salivation, colic, cranial abdominal tenderness, anorexia, diarrhea, sternal recumbency or weakness. A more accurate diagnosis of gastric ulceration in horses and foals may be made if ulcers are visualized directly by endoscopic examination of the gastric mucosa.

Gastric ulcers may recur in horses if therapy to prevent recurrence is not administered after the initial treatment is completed. Use GastroGard Paste at 0.9 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (2 mg/kg) for control of gastric ulcers following treatment. The safety of administration of GastroGard Paste for longer than 91 days has not been determined.

Maximal acid suppression occurs after three to five days of treatment with omeprazole.

Safety • GastroGard Paste was well tolerated in the following controlled efficacy and safety studies.

• In field trials involving 139 horses, including foals as young as one month of age, no adverse reactions attributable to omeprazole treatment were noted.

• In a placebo controlled adult horse safety study, horses received 20 mg/kg/day omeprazole (5x the recommended dose) for 90 days.

No treatment related adverse effects were observed.

• In a placebo controlled tolerance study, adult horses were treated with GastroGard Paste at a dosage of 40 mg/kg/day (10x the recommended dose) for 21 days. No treatment related adverse effects were observed.

• A placebo controlled foal safety study evaluated the safety of omeprazole at doses of 4, 12 or 20 mg/kg (1, 3 or 5x) once daily for 91 days. Foals ranged in age from 66 to 110 days at study initiation. Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly elevated in horses treated at exaggerated doses of 20 mg/kg (5x the recommended dose). Mean stomach to body weight ratio was higher for foals in the 3x and 5x groups than for controls; however, no abnormalities of the stomach were evident on histological examination.

Reproductive Safety In a male reproductive safety study, 10 stallions received GastroGard Paste at 12 mg/kg/day (3x the recommended dose) for 70 days.

No treatment related adverse effects on semen quality or breeding behavior were observed. A safety study in breeding mares has not been conducted.

For More Information Please call 1-888-637-4251 and please visit our web site at www.gastrogard.com.

Marketed by: Merial Limited Duluth, GA 30096-4640 Merial Limited, a company limited by shares registered in England and Wales (registered number 3332751) with a registered office at PO Box 327, Sandringham House, Sandringham Avenue, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5QA, England, and domesticated in Delaware, USA as Merial LLC. US Patent: 4255431 and 5708017 Copyright © 2005 Merial Limited.

All rights reserved. Rev. 08-2005 ®GASTROGARD is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca Group of Companies.

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h B Pa

mediCation COMMITTEE CORNER THE OLD, BROKEN-DOWN HORSE TRAINER GOES TO WASHINGTON

By Kent H. Stirling

On July 12, I was invited by Senator John D. Rockefeller IV to testify in front of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, for which he is the chairman. His committee was holding a hearing on “Medication and PerformanceEnhancing Drugs in Horse Racing.” This hearing was more or less the Senate version of the House’s Health Subcommittee that met at Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, on April 30 with the subject being, “A Review of Efforts to Protect the Health of Jockeys and Horses in Horse Racing.” This House Subcommittee hearing was described by this publication in its Summer 2012 edition as follows:

“Not surprisingly, the April 30 hearing was carefully orchestrated such that it provided a deeply biased and one-sided view of the industry. Moreover, there was quite a bit of misinformation that came out during the hearing that went unchallenged because of the lack of balance in those participating in and presiding over the hearing.”

The July 12 Senate hearing had a slightly more balanced panel, but also had a lot of misinformation presented that went unchallenged because of the manner in which the panels were set up. I spoke on the first panel of four along with Barry Irwin of Team Valor; Jim Gagliano, president of the Jockey Club; and Jeffrey Gural, a substantial owner of Standardbreds who headed up the group of investors who leased the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The second panel consisted of Matthew Witman, national director of the American Quarter Horse Association; Marc Paulhus, former vice president of the Humane Society; Ed Martin, president and CEO of the Association of Racing Commissioners International; and Sheila Lyons, DVM. So you might wonder from where did all the misinformation come?

According to Dr. Lyons and seemingly Senator Udall of New Mexico, who was chairing the hearing for Senator Rockefeller, most of this misinformation was coming from me.

Me! I was a little stunned, because I had just listened to Mr. Paulhus describe how therapeutic medication is “used to manipulate the performance of horses either by the administration or the withdrawal of them.” He continued with a straight face, “So for example, if they’re trying to build a horse’s losing streak and then give it therapeutic medication at a later date so that it runs better, that can be a little trick that some race-fixers have used in the past, and then they bet their money off track with the bookies.” Since both writers from the New York Times were present, I figured this would be a front-page story the next day.

Senator Udall later told Mr. Martin that there is plenty of money for more drug-testing and enforcement of rules from monies the states all use to subsidize horsemen’s purses. Said Senator Udall, “And so I just don’t buy the resource side of this when you have $50 million in subsidies in my small little state of New Mexico that you could peel off part of that and then do this right.

Or bigger states, it’s much bigger than this, $50 million, $100 million, $200 22

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million, whatever it is.” I assume he was referring to slot revenue, but then a lot of states don’t have alternative gaming of any kind. In Florida, about $15 million a year comes to purses from slots.

When asked if she would like to respond to some comments made about Lasix, Dr. Lyons responded, “I think this difference of opinion between myself and specifically Mr. Stirling really represents what I’m up against and what veterinarians are up against when we go to work at racetracks.”

She added, “Mr. Stirling was a very successful racehorse trainer.” She obviously didn’t see my last three years production as a trainer, but it was “successful” enough to make me a candidate for executive director.

“But Mr. Stirling is not a veterinarian,” she continued. “And I heard him testify that Lasix is not performance-enhancing, it has never harmed a horse and that it effectively treats exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.”

She went on to say that, from her perspective, I was completely wrong.

She then added that she “found over 200 peer-reviewed papers that link the increased risk of fracture to Lasix use.” She continued, “I did a pilot study myself to just test a hypothesis that Lasix was changing the blood test results in these horses. And I found a very close parallel between what is reported for the effect of EPO on athletes and Lasix.”

What?

She summarized her remarks by stating about Lasix, “I can’t justify it, especially in the fact that it not only does not effectively treat a disease that my patient probably doesn’t even have, but is going to harm my patient at the same time. But I know that Mr. Stirling and many of the passionate advocates for the continued use of this drug in all horses believe what they’re saying. But frankly, if a lie is told long enough over and over, it begins to sound like the truth.

So for nearly 30 years, I have had to have these discussions with clients and have to re-educate them because the opinion is just not supported by the science.”

Senator Udall then was reminded of a Mark Twain quote, which he shared.

“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth puts on its boots.”

There was then laughter, and the hearing was concluded.

I left thinking that I believe I was just called a liar and wondering after what I had observed how Congress could possibly have just a 16% approval rating with the American public.

Some things you need to know. My remarks were a refined version of those passed out after the Kennett Square House hearing in April, and a number of people had input at some level in these remarks. I also was sent 20 questions by this committee to have answered by August 1, and again I was aided in my answers by several members who are lawyers, because if I had answered some of them unassisted, I would probably now be involved in a lawsuit or sitting in jail.

Other important facts: This Committee was chaired by Senator Udall

“pre-race administration of furosemide decreased the incidence and severity of

because Senator Rockefeller never appeared, nor did 22 of the 25 Senators on

EIPH.” After completing this million-dollar study, the rather surprised authors

this committee show up at any time. Two other Senators were present, one for

then stated:

15 minutes and the other for 45 minutes of this more than three-hour-long

“…The challenge will now be for countries like Australia, England, Hong

hearing. To say that there was not much interest in this hearing by committee

Kong and South Africa that do not currently permit race-day use of furosemide

members would be an understatement.

to balance the animal-welfare aspect of being able to prevent or reduce the

And finally, from the remarks of my fellow panelists, with the possible

condition against the imperatives for drug-free racing. Additionally, instituting

exception of Ed Martin, I don’t think anybody was aware of (or wanted to admit

race-day administration of furosemide would be a significant added expense

that they were aware of) the seminal 2009 South African Furosemide Study. Two

to racing.”

of this study’s three authors, Dr. Kenneth W. Hinchcliff and Dr. Paul S. Morely, were on record previously as doubting the efficacy of Lasix in preventing EIPH

I can still hear her words. Mr. Stirling’s “opinion is just not supported by the science.”

Denis Blake

or bleeding. Their conclusion after completing this 167-horse study was that

www.nationalhbpa.com

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Oct. 3 – 15

Oct. 18 – Dec. 16

Nov. 8 – Dec. 10

Dec. 30, 2011 – Dec. 23

Sep. 7 – 23

Sep. 19 – 30

Sep. 26 – Nov. 4, Dec. 26, 2012 – Apr. 21, 2013

Fresno Co. Fair @ Fresno

Golden Gate Fields

Hollywood Park

Los Alamitos Race Course

Pomona Co. Fair @ Fairplex

San Joaquin Co. Fair @ Stockton

Santa Anita

california

Sep. 1 – Nov. 30

Dec. 1, 2012 – Apr. 5, 2013

Calder Race Course (Tropical Meet)

Gulfstream Park

Florida

May 12 – Nov. 3

Delaware Park

Delaware

Apr. 14 – Oct. 14

Hastings Racecourse

British columbia, canada

Oct. 5, 2012 – May 7, 2013

Turf Paradise

Jan. 11 – Apr. 13, 2013

Apr. 26 – May 5, 2013

Santa Cruz Co. Fair @ Sonoita

Oaklawn Park

Jan. 19 – Mar. 17, 2013

Sep. 1 – Oct. 21

Whoop Up Downs/Rocky Mountain Turf Club @ Lethbridge

Oct. 5 – 27 Sep. 8 – 19 Sep. 6 – 30, Nov. 29 – Dec. 31

Keeneland Racecourse Kentucky Downs Turfway Park

Nov. 22, 2012 – Mar. 31, 2013 May 4 – Sep. 23

Fair Grounds Race Course Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Mount Pleasant Meadows

Michigan

new Jersey

Monmouth Park

The Meadowlands @ Monmouth

Yellowstone Downs

Suffolk Downs

Massachusetts

Montana

Laurel Race Course

May 12 – Oct. 6

Oct. 12 – Nov. 3

Aug. 25 – Sep. 16

May 5 – Oct. 11

Jun. 2 – Oct. 29

Sep. 7 – Dec. 31

May 6 – Sep. 23

Oct. 3 – Dec. 20

Evangeline Downs

Assiniboia Downs

Oct. 19, 2012 – Mar. 23, 3013

Delta Downs

Maryland

Manitoba, canada

louisiana

Oct. 28 – Nov. 25

Churchill Downs

Kentucky

Aug. 18 – Oct. 27

Prairie Meadows

iowa

Aug. 1 – Oct. 27

Oct. 3 – Dec. 30

Hawthorne Racecourse Hoosier Park

Apr. 3 – Sep. 21

May 4 – Sep. 30

Fairmount Park

Arlington Park

indiana

illinois

*Pending approval

West virginia

Washington

Jan. 3 – Dec. 29 Mar. 2 – Dec. 21

Hollywood Casino @ Charles Town Races Mountaineer Race Track

Apr. 13 – Sep. 23

Oct. 5 – Dec. 29

Retama Park Emerald Downs

Sep. 14 – Nov. 10

May 14 – Sep. 28

Presque Isle Downs Lone Star Park

Jan. 5 – Dec. 29

Penn National

texas

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

Parx Racing

pennsylvania

Jul. 15 – Dec. 8

Apr. 6 – Dec. 16

May 6 – Oct. 30

Aug. 25 – Nov. 10

Portland Meadows

Woodbine Racecourse

Fort Erie Racetrack

Will Rogers Downs

Aug. 10 – Dec. 9

May 4 – Nov. 17

Thistledown Racecourse Remington Park

Oct. 8 – Dec. 22

Beulah

Apr. 20 – Dec. 7

Sep. 8 – Oct. 28

Belmont Park Finger Lakes

Nov. 2 – Dec. 31

Sep. 8 – Dec. 4

Zia Park Aqueduct

Dec. 7, 2012 – Apr. 16, 2013

Sep. 7 – 29

Sep. 30 – Nov. 4

Sunland Park

New Mexico State Fair @ Albuquerque

The Downs at Albuquerque

oregon

ontario, canada

oklahoma

ohio

new York

new Mexico

Schedule is based on available information at the time each issue goes to press.

All racing jurisdictions have differing schedules and policies regarding the granting of future race dates that impact availability.

Rillito Park

May 4 – Oct. 13

Northlands Park

dates>>

racing

Arkansas

Arizona

Alberta, canada

2012 2013

hj DatES

[ ADVERTISEMENT ]

DeaDly Doping meeTs iTs maTch By: maRK hanson

The pressure to win is so enormous that many horsemen resort to whatever it takes to get a piece of the purse or a decent sale… even if it means putting their horses’ lives in mortal danger by doping them with illegal synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) drugs to boost endurance.

Veterinarian Gary Smith said, “It’s a problem all over the industry.

There is no way horses should be put on (synthetic) EPO.” So how do racers win? How do you gain a competitive edge without harming your horses or risking your livelihood? The answer may be found in a safe all-natural horse supplement that supports natural EPO function.

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A Kentucky trainer who refused to give out his name, said, “I don’t want my competition to know about this.” He found EPO-Equine to be so effective that he’s dead set against disclosing who he is, who his horses are, or even where he trains and races. He first started ordering a single jar of EPO-Equine once a month. Now he’s ordering several CASES each month. And he won’t tell BRL exactly why. He said respectfully, “Sorry – no way.”

Bioengineers at U.S. based Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL), first discovered a completely natural EPO-booster for human athletes (and it’s working miracles for top athletes and amateurs around the world). Seeing these results, horse trainers contacted BRL and asked about using this natural formula for their animals.

That’s when the BRL team dug deeper and discovered a proprietary,

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horse-friendly strain of a common herb that promotes optimal bloodbuilding results. EPO-Equine is based on the blood-boosting abilities of a certain strain of Echinacea that’s astounding researchers and trainers alike. (It’s not a strain you can find at the local health store.)

Veterinarians at the Equine Research Centre in Ontario, Canada ran a double-blind trial investigating the blood building properties of the active ingredient in EPO-Equine in healthy horses. For 42 days, one group of horses was supplemented with the active ingredient in EPOEquine and another group of horses was given a placebo.

The supplement delivered significant blood building results, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Researchers also observed improved blood quality and increased oxygen transport in the supplemented horses. Improved blood levels leads to elevated exercise physiology and performance. The patent-pending formula in EPO-Equine contains a dozen different herbs, antioxidants and antiinflammatory components combined to promote natural red blood cell production…for remarkable speed, strength and stamina right out of the gate.

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FEatURE

Meeting in the MiDWest:

Coady Photography

Coady Photography

Denis Blake

the nAtionAl hBpA’s suMMer convention

Nearly every industry meeting over the past year has featured a discussion of medication, and that topic again took center stage at the National HBPA’s Summer Convention held June 28-July 1 at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona, Iowa, just outside of Des Moines. Hosted by the Iowa HBPA, the event brought together HBPA affiliates from across North America to work together for the common good, and the issue of race-day Lasix/Salix attracted the most attention.

The biggest draw at the convention was the Medication Forum Committee meeting, subtitled, “The Truth about Lasix.” Moderated by Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida HBPA, the forum comprised a panel of veterinarian and ex-jockey Dr. James Casey, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission member F. Thomas Conway, prominent Thoroughbred owner and lawyer Maggi Moss, simulcast and wagering Maggi Moss consultant Dick Powell, racetrack surgeon Dr. Stephen Selway and noted veterinarian and researcher Dr. Thomas Tobin.

The panelists, who looked at the issue from a variety of perspectives, all emphasized the importance of having race-day Lasix available Dick Powell for the safety of the horse and rider while debunking some of the myths and misinformation about the medication.

in ioWA

By Denis Blake

“i Feel liKe i’M living in soMe KinD oF insAne tiMe,” sAiD Moss. “(the hBpA is) the onlY group thAt seeMs to hAve AnY coMMon sense BecAuse You Are All horse people. You Are the onlY group thAt Fights For us; You Are the onlY group thAt protects oWners AnD everYBoDY in the inDustrY. i AM Begging You to get people to coMe ForWArD AnD KnocK soMe sense into this insAnitY.”

Powell spoke from the perspective of the wagering public, whose interests are often overlooked with regard to this issue. As an experienced handicapper, he expressed apprehension, which he said is shared by many of his brethren, that a ban on Lasix would further complicate the already challenging handicapping process.

“We’ve taken an issue of race-day medication, which is a concern of bettors, and clouded it and blurred the line between a race-day medication that is used for nefarious purposes and a therapeutic medication like Lasix,” he said. “My clients send me to many, many conferences, and many have had medication panels. I’ve sat through all of them and listened and paid attention. Over time my position has evolved from not wanting (Lasix) to understanding that it’s no longer a mask for drugs and that the testing today is powerful enough to detect medications whether Lasix is present or not. Once you get past that point, why are we banning it and, more importantly, why is the racing industry focusing on this one therapeutic medication as if it’s going to be a panacea for all the problems that racing currently faces?”

Powell went on to say that different Lasix rules in different jurisdictions would add an element of the unknown for handicappers, who then would have to discern whether a poor performance is simply a horse on a downward trend or a ‘bounce,’ or was it a hot day with high humidity that caused the horse to bleed.

“The betting public is not going to suddenly say, ‘Oh, you got rid of Lasix so now I don’t need to worry about all the other issues that I had been worrying about,’” Powell continued, noting that his position was his own personal opinion and not that of any of his clients. “I think there are more issues to worry about if Lasix is banned; there are more things to consider that we don’t need to have in the handicapping equation.”

While many owners and trainers have said they will not run horses in a jurisdiction that does not allow race-day Lasix, that problem would be further exacerbated if the betting public also shifts its focus from those jurisdictions.

From a scientific perspective, the panel pointed out the lack of evidence that Lasix is detrimental to horses and that its use has been proven to reduce the incidence of exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in a South African study commissioned in part by The Jockey Club. www.nationalhbpa.com

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Denis Blake

After the convention, 25 HBPA affiliates passed board resolutions in support of the continued use of race-day Lasix (see page 14).

In addition to the medication forum, the summer convention featured a wide range of other topics. The Benefit Providers Committee meeting covered the Race for Education scholarship program and included updates on immigration and legislative issues. The Media Forum, moderated by National HBPA CEO Phil Hanrahan, provided insight from a distinguished panel of speakers comprising Matt Carothers from TVG Network, Tom LaMarra from The Blood-Horse, freelance racing journalist Dan Johnson, Mike Penna of Horse Racing Radio Network and Ray Paulick of the Paulick Report.

Officials from the Iowa HBPA, Prairie Meadows and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission spoke about the ADW partnership in the state as a follow-up to the first part of the forum held during the National HBPA’s Winter Convention in Florida. Staying on the topic of the betting dollar, the Wagering and Alternative Gaming Information (WAGI) Committee held a roundtable discussion that covered strategies for protecting purse and breed funds and the importance of including alternative gaming in the horsemen’s contract with the racetrack. A Thoroughbred Aftercare Committee was formed to look at the best practices and successes from state programs involved with adoption, rehab and re-training of ex-racehorses.

The summer convention also marked a historic change in the leadership of the National HBPA, as Robin Richards was elected president and chairperson of the board and Stephanie Beattie was elected first vice president. Since the beginning of the National HBPA in 1940, this is the first time a woman has held either of those positions.

Richards takes over for Joe Santanna, who served two terms as president and chair. Santanna and his wife, Beth, were honored with Kentucky Colonel certificates and a caricature by Peb Bellocq presented by the HBPA affiliates.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and experience to lead you,” said Santanna. “What we’ve done, we’ve accomplished together as a team. I ask you to keep moving forward, remain passionate about our sport and to continue to challenge any rule or position that’s without merit. I ask you to continue to challenge each other. Let’s continue to do our best and remain dedicated to our motto of horsemen helping horsemen. It’s been my pleasure to serve.”

“Under Joe’s tenure, the HBPA has become an organization that we can all be proud of,” said Richards, who also serves as president of the Virginia HBPA, after accepting her new position. “Wherever Joe goes, he’s respected, and he’s left us a ship-shape organization.

“I’m an owner and a breeder and sometimes a trainer, and I’ve been doing this for 34 years,” she added. “I think we are the people who are the patchwork in the quilt, and we are very necessary for this vibrant industry. We are well positioned at 30,000 strong to affect policy in this industry; we just need to work together.”

In the regional vice president elections, Leroy Gessmann of Iowa was reelected from the central region, Ron Maus of Washington won re-election in the western region and Rick Hiles of Kentucky returns in the southern region.

Beattie, a leading trainer and president of the Pennsylvania HBPA, was elected to fill the void in the eastern region left by Richards and then was also named first regional vice president.

Among the awards presented at the summer convention, former National HBPA employee Ronda Denham was honored for her service with a Kentucky Colonel certificate, as was chairman emeritus and 34-year National HBPA veteran Dr. Ed Hagan.

Richard Glover, who for more than 13 years served as director of communications and editor of The Horsemen’s Journal, received recognition in the form of a full board resolution expressing thanks for his lengthy service and development of numerous advances, including the National HBPA’s sponsorship program, social medial presence and electronic version of the magazine.

The National HBPA’s Industry Service Award went to Marty Maline, executive

Industry Service Award winner Marty Maline director of the Kentucky HBPA, for his dedication to the organization on both the national and state level.

“Since 1976, Marty has spent his life representing horsemen and horsewomen and looking out for their interests,” said Bill Walmsley, president of the Arkansas HBPA. “He’s got that historical background that almost none of us have, and he’s invaluable to us for his institutional knowledge of this organization and invaluable to us to point out where we’ve made mistakes before and to keep from making them in the future. I can’t think of any human being in the world who more deserves this award and embodies the HBPA.” “I’m overwhelmed and I thank you from the deepest part of my heart,” said Maline. “I love this organization and the people involved. This has been my life, and I believe we are doing good things for horsemen.”

In addition to a full slate of informative meetings, the summer convention featured a welcome cocktail reception at Prairie Meadows, a tour of nearby River Ridge Ranch and some world-class Thoroughbred action on the track during the Iowa Festival of Racing, which included a trio of Grade III stakes events. Hansen, last year’s Eclipse Award winner as champion 2-year-old male, dominated the $250,000 Iowa Derby by 10 lengths, while Uptown Bertie took the $200,000 Iowa Oaks and Fort Larned captured the $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap before moving on to Saratoga Race Course and taking the Whitney Invitational Handicap (Gr. I).

The Lasix issue figures to remain at the forefront when the HBPA Winter Convention, hosted by the Tampa Bay Downs HBPA, is held February 20-24, 2013, at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

thAnK You convention sponsors The National HBPA would like to thank the following sponsors that supported the 2012 Summer Convention:

nAtionAl sponsors Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies Equineline.com

Finish Line Horseman Labor Solutions

convention sponsors Arkansas HBPA Florida HPBA Griff’s Feed Indiana HBPA Iowa HBPA Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Michigan HBPA Minnesota HBPA

Pennsylvania HBPA Porter’s Hardware Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino River Ridge Ranch Royal Flooring Tampa Bay Downs HBPA Virginia HBPA

Coady Photography

letter FroM the nAtionAl hBpA presiDent

This being my first communication with our membership, let me offer a public “thank you” to my predecessor, Joe Santanna, for his unwavering attention and vision. His six years of leadership have garnered a newfound respect for our organization. Never before has our Lexington team been stronger with Phil Hanrahan, Laura Plato and Robert Scott.

Since I became involved with the Virginia HBPA more than a decade ago, the level of sophistication required of our affiliate leaders has risen exponentially as our pari-mutuel industry has embraced technology. In addition to negotiating with racetracks and ADW companies, presidents and executive directors of the HBPA and other horsemen’s groups must deal with immigration issues, welfare of their backstretch workers, aftercare of horses and medication rules. The affiliate president who may be a deer in the headlights after election will be amazed by his or her depth and variation of knowledge Outgoing HBPA President Joe Santanna welcomes incoming President Robin after a term on the job.

Richards (right) and new First Vice President Stephanie Beattie When asked if I would agree to run for the office of national president, I was admittedly hesitant. Somehow the memory of my 10th-grade math tutor kept popping up in my head. I just couldn’t get theorems in geometry. She said, “But Robin, you seem like such a logical person!” Hopefully, 34 years of experience as an owner-breeder, a short stint as a trainer, long tenure as an HBPA affiliate president and a dose of logic will offer guidance and help us reach consensus as we all aim for a healthier industry.

Logic tells me that those of us within this complex industry who have knowledge borne from experience as well as from science must speak out to ensure that the policies our industry contemplates do not have unintended consequences. In horse racing, everything we do is inter-connected. Bettors want full fields, trainers want to know that races in the condition book can be counted on to fill so they can train their horses, and owners want to know that the horse they breed or purchase has at least some potential to pay the bills. If we all redouble our efforts to meet with our racing commissions and get the science out there, we can adopt model rules that make sense and lead to a safer, more uniform industry. We inside the industry all can agree on a need for harsher penalties for dopers.

Or at least 99.8% of us can. Not a bad number to start with. However, if we do not become more proactive, our future could be dictated by someone who neither understands nor cares about a healthy racing industry.

Robin Richards National HBPA President and Chairperson

From Innovation Comes Solutions SYNTRA RACE PLATE FROM KERCKHAERT The Syntra series is a unique Kerckhaert design, excellent for training and racing on dirt tracks; allowing easier breakover while still providing the traction needed for coming out of the gate. With beveled aluminum coming to the top of the insert in front of the toe grab and a rolled toe, this versatile shoe is also a good choice for racing on synthetic surfaces where a regular toe is allowed.

Whether designing shoes for different race surfaces - or finding solutions for traditional problems with breakover - Kerckhaert continues to meet the demands of the industry and the needs of professional farriers and trainers with their innovative products.

For the name of a farrierproducts™ dealer near you visit farrierproducts.com or call 1-800-468-2879. facebook.com/FarrierProductDistribution • farrierproducts.com/blog

www.nationalhbpa.com

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taming technology to reach a wider audience

By Kimberly French

The rich heritage and history of horse racing set it apart from most other North American sports, yet those same attributes sometime make it difficult for the industry to adapt to and embrace new technology. However, in recent years there have been numerous examples of the sport closing the gap when it comes to the use of technology, whether it be to attract new fans or to better serve existing ones.

The ubiquity of social media today, along with tools like the new website OwnerView, presents an opportunity for owners and trainers to market themselves like never before and at virtually no financial cost.

Until its announcement in March 2011 and presentation later that year at The Jockey Club’s Round Table Conference, the McKinsey & Company’s inclusive report on the state of the industry in North America and its potential for developing breeding and racing was the first that had been performed since the Pugh-Roberts version in 1975.

AFTER THE STUDY, WHICH INVOLVED REGRESSION ANALYSIS ON 600,000 RACES OVER 11 YEARS, MORE THAN 200 INTERVIEWS WITH REGULATORS, 920 SURVEYS OF THOROUGHBRED OWNERS, 150 INTERVIEWS WITH INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS AND 1,800 CURRENT OR POSSIBLY FUTURE FAN INTERVIEWS, WAS INTRODUCED, THE JOCKEY CLUB ANNOUNCED A THREE- TO FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY TO ENGAGE NEW AND CASUAL ADMIRERS OF THE SPORT. ONE OF THE GOALS OF THE STRATEGY WAS A SOURCE OR INSTRUMENT FOR OWNERS TO DELVE INTO MORE SPECIFICS ABOUT THE SPORT FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR NEW OWNERS TO BECOME INVOLVED. 30

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A Free MArKeting tool In May of this year, The Jockey Club announced the launch of OwnerView at www.ownerview.com to provide information on trainers, public racing syndicates, racehorse retirement and licensing.

“This is one of the nine initiatives to build sustainable growth in our industry from the McKinsey study,” said Gary Falter, vice president of operations at The Jockey Club. “It was a resource developed after they interviewed owners all over the country and received feedback that there just wasn’t enough information out there about trainers, managed racing partnerships, how to get in the game and a wide variety of other topics, so we embarked on OwnerView.

“We have more than 7,000 active trainers right now, and we have statistics dating back to 1991 as well as that trainer’s top 10 horses if they have started a horse in the last two years,” he continued. “That’s how we determine an active trainer. Many trainers do not have websites, and very few of them promote themselves, but you can go to OwnerView, put in any active trainer’s last name and their statistics will be available. We have 130 trainers registered where they have uploaded their own profile, which is possibly a photograph, e-mail address, cell phone number, where they are racing, what their day rate is or a biography of themselves. This is managed by the trainer themselves and is a great promotional tool for trainers to tell owners all about them.”

Each profile can include a wide range of information, from trainer-provided details about the average cost of veterinary services to ratings provided by current or previous owners, as well as any rulings listed in the Thoroughbred Regulatory Rulings database. The site, however, is not merely to aid conditioners in their quest to improve business.

“We have about 35 managed racing partnerships registered on OwnerView,” Falter explained. “We have statistics for them for the last two years, and of

FAceBooK, tWitter AnD More David Donk, who managed 1995 Arlington Million (Gr. I) victor Awad among his nearly 50 stakes winners, concurs with Motion that OwnerView and social media have the potential to engage future fans, owners and the sport’s backbone, the wagering public.

“I’m not really trying to promote myself, and there are fads in technology, but technology has changed so much and will continue to do so,” he said.

“There is much faster access to information, and it is placed out there quickly.

OwnerView is a way for owners to get their hands on information before they delve into the business and make phone calls. It’s an information highway to put as much out there as you possibly can.

“I think Twitter is interesting,” Donk continued. “A lot of people are latching onto it. I use it sparingly, but I pay attention to it because it’s a source of information where, maybe as a trainer, I am able to put out information in a very timely manner, whether it’s what’s going on at the track, horses in my stable or whether a race will be on or off the turf. It’s about posting as much information as possible that can benefit a race fan and, maybe as or more importantly, the gambler, whether it’s someone that wagers frequently or rarely.”

Ken McPeek, who has conditioned major stakes winners such as Tejano Run, Harlan’s Holiday and Take Charge Lady, feels social media does play a role, but maybe not as large as other people would expect or anticipate.

course, we included information on racehorse retirement. There is also a section provided by TOBA (Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association) about getting started owning Thoroughbreds, including how to select an advisor, purchase options and developing a business plan. Another area on OwnerView includes licensing in each state and links to the racing commissions with forms. We are trying to cover a lot of bases, but this is just the first generation.”

Unlike creating a complete website, which entails at least some expense and a level of technical expertise (or more expense to hire someone with that expertise), OwnerView is free of charge for all involved and simple to use.

Although OwnerView could still be classified as a weanling, The Jockey Club has already embarked on efforts to improve the site and is hopeful it will have a significant future impact on the progression of the sport.

“At the moment, we are working on several new enhancements to assist owners in researching information about racetracks, state incentive programs, publications and more,” said Falter. “This is a site for Thoroughbred owners, and there are a lot of touch points in our industry for them. We want to include them in OwnerView. As I said, this is just a start.”

Graham Motion, who trained Kentucky Derby (Gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom for Team Valor, feels OwnerView and other forms of social media are good tools to promote the sport.

“OwnerView is a great way for new and present owners to analyze important information that is available in one location,” he told Thoroughbred Times in May. “I think using forms of social media are much more prevalent in Europe,” Motion continued in an interview on July 18. “I think more horsemen will catch onto it, and it will grow in this country as well. I think it’s a great way to promote the industry, and as it grows more, people in the industry will begin using it.”

“I still think it’s more of a personal one-on-one-type business,” the Lexington resident said. “I’ve had most of my customers for a while. Then they introduce me to their friends and on some occasions that becomes a new customer. I don’t see any major reward for using Facebook or Twitter. I think you need a Facebook page so people can look you up, but I think the best thing for creating business is LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can really communicate with a large group of people at once.”

The managing partner of Blinkers On Racing Stable, Scott Sherwood, contends that social media may not necessarily attract new participants to the sport, but it’s still something that merits attention.

“I haven’t seen it generate business, but it’s something you have to have right now,” he said. “People expect to follow your stable and your horses. Does it generate sales? If I post on Facebook that there are a limited number of shares available on this horse, we would see almost zero correlation between driving business and our Facebook or Twitter presence.”

Sherwood’s statement can be extrapolated across other industries, such as a car dealer posting a Facebook update about a new shipment of vehicles arriving may not be likely to see a stampede of new customers. However, social media can help facilitate better communication, whether it’s between a trainer and his or her clients or the general public.

www.nationalhbpa.com

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using sociAl MeDiA the right WAY Adam Lazarus, the managing partner of Pinnacle Racing, which campaigns 2011 Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter and heroine of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Gr. I) Musical Romance, thinks social media can be beneficial, if it is used correctly.

“Basically, my partnership has grown based on the status of one superior horse,” he said. “Before her success, I didn’t have any money, so I relied on her winnings, and she got our name out there so people began to research our website.

“I think OwnerView is an outstanding resource for new or present owners, and www.followhorseracing.com (designed by The Jockey Club and National Thoroughbred Racing Association to develop new fans) is an excellent website,” Lazarus continued. “I think Facebook and Twitter are also outstanding, especially since newspapers have gone by the wayside, and the Internet is an unbelievable vehicle to get horse racing out there and reach that younger audience.”

While the Internet allows for instant updates and feedback, Lazarus warns there is a drawback.

“My only issue with social media is the access you provide people,” he said.

“In a partnership, you are always going to have someone not completely happy, so you have to guard against people posting things you don’t consider politically correct. I think it’s very important to have restrictions placed on content but still give people that are interested in Pinnacle Racing a place to see what we are all about. The more we get the word out there about how great our sport is, the more people will get involved, and it will be a circular effect. People will buy more horses, you will have people joining partnerships, more people putting their own groups together, and it’s all about educating people. Our sport will die without involving a younger audience, and Facebook and Twitter can do that.”

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Dan Collins, a former scribe for The Saratogian who established Bona Venture Stables in 2005, perceives social media as a route for horse racing to promote itself and invigorate new owners as well as enthusiasts.

“In the beginning, we used social media simply to introduce ourselves to people, and the response has been absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “We have gained new partners from people who found us on the Internet or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. It’s really paid off well for us. I think racing is slower to catch on, and with The Jockey Club’s new initiatives and the OwnerView website, that may change. You can take examples from other businesses, like Target, and several other stores moving to a point where they are eliminating cash registers and cashiers. They will have roving clerks with iPads who will check you out so you don’t have to wait in line.

“The racing industry learns slowly,” he continued. “For example, NYRA just installed a wireless network this year at Saratoga, so I don’t have to wait for Tom Durkin to tell me the scratches. I could pull that and past performances up on my iPad. As we move toward technology to allow us to access this industry, I think you will see more organizations use Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t think it’s a tool we can use to provide analysis or deep information about the industry.”

The bottom line, according to many who use social media and the Internet every day, is that a profile on OwnerView, a Facebook page and a few tweets are not going to magically increase your business, but they can be an important piece of an overall plan to attract new clients while also engaging current clients. Considering that many people, especially the younger generation, fully expect to find the information they seek in just a few clicks, and that none of these options cost anything, these tools should at least be considered by any trainer or ownership group.

PRE-ENTRY DEADLINE: $150K Maryland Million Classic Three-year-olds & up, 11⁄8 mi. $100K Maryland Million Distaff A handicap for fillies & mares, 3-year-olds & up, 7 fur. $100K Maryland Million Ladies Fillies & mares, 3-year-olds & up, 11⁄8 mi., turf $100K Maryland Million Sprint A handicap for 3-year-olds & up, 6 fur. $100K Maryland Million Turf Three-year-olds & up, 11⁄8 mi., turf $100K Maryland Million Lassie Fillies, 2-year-olds, 6 fur. $100K Maryland Million Nursery Two-year-olds, 6 fur. $100K Maryland Million Oaks Fillies, 3-year-olds, 1 mi. $100K Maryland Million Turf Sprint A handicap for 3-year-olds & up, 51⁄2 fur., turf $50K Maryland Million Starter Handicap Three-year-olds & up who have started for a claiming price of $12,500 or less since October 1, 2011, 1 ⁄ mi. This is a Sweepstakes.

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$50K Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap

Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds & up, who have started for a claiming price of $12,500 or less since October 1, 2011, 1 mi. This is a Sweepstakes.

ONLY horses by eligible Maryland Million stallions and nominated/certified to the Maryland Million program, are eligible to run in Maryland Million races.

THURSDAY, September 27

CALL THE MARYLAND MILLION OFFICE TO CONFIRM YOUR HORSE’S ELIGIBILITY PRIOR TO ENTERING—410.252.2100 or online at www.MarylandMillion.com Georgeanne Hale, Racing Secretary, Coleman E. Blind, Stakes Coordinator Laurel Park 1.800.638.1859 or fax on demand 859.288.1098 www.marylandracing.com www.nationalhbpa.com

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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Denis Blake

FEatURE The NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program can protect against damages caused by horses or employees

protecting YourselF:

THE NHBPA OWNERS AND TRAINERS LIABILITY PROGRAM

M

uch liKe chAnging the oil in Your vehicle, insurAnce is soMething Most people Do not thinK ABout—until soMething hAppens, oF course. Just As An inexpensive oil chAnge cAn prevent A costlY engine FAilure, proper insurAnce coverAge cAn protect You FroM experiencing thAt uneAsY Feeling AFter An inciDent or AcciDent When You Are leFt to WonDer, “AM i covereD?”

Nearly every insurance agent recommends an annual review of your policies—maybe your circumstances have changed along with your insurance needs, or perhaps another company can provide comparable or better coverage at a lower rate—but much like that oil change, it is easy to put off for another day. The results of putting it off, however, can be costly, and just a few minutes and a relatively small amount of money can prevent a time-consuming and money-consuming problem down the road.

That applies to both vehicle maintenance and insurance.

One of the benefits of being a member of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is the eligibility to participate in the NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program. This unique insurance coverage has been tailored to meet the special needs of the horse racing industry, which is important because chances are your local agent or insurance company does not know the intricacies of racehorse training and ownership and the potential liability issues that go along with it.

If you think your general liability insurance policy will cover your horses and horse-related activities, think again.

“This coverage is designed specifically for owners and trainers and provides levels of coverage that a general liability policy would not cover,” said Matthew Delehanty of Stone Lane LLC in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, which serves as the program administrator on behalf of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association RPG Inc. “The coverage is important because it transfers the inherent risks and liability associated with owning and training horses from you as the owner and trainer to the insurance company,” Delehanty added. “The Owners and Trainers Liability Program is designed to protect you in the event an insured individual is found liable for property damage, bodily injury or physical damage resulting from their equine activities.”

There are multiple reasons to consider purchasing this policy, and these actual claims demonstrate how horsemen were protected from staggering financial losses.

By Denis Blake

exAMple #1:

An insured trainer ships a horse into the barn at a racetrack several days before running in a race. The groom employed by the insured trainer is sent along to care for the horse. In preparing the stall for the horse one morning, the groom throws a bale of straw from the loft and accidentally strikes an exercise rider working for another trainer. As a result, injuries occur to the neck and back. Bodily injury is alleged, and a lawsuit is filed for the resulting injuries. After two years of legalities, the case is settled out of court.

exAMple #2:

A racehorse trained by an insured trainer fell shortly before the wire during a race. The jockey was injured, and a lawsuit was filed for bodily injury. The case settled out of court.

exAMple #3:

A racetrack held a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks. An insured trainer had a horse become frightened, and the horse broke through the stall webbing. While loose on the backside, the horse collided with an individual, which resulted in bodily injury and a lawsuit. The insurance company provided legal counsel and settled the case out of court. www.nationalhbpa.com

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FEatURE Although these cases, which were accidents that arose out of the equine operations of the insured trainer/owner, settled out of court, significant legal fees were incurred in addition to the settlement amount. The NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program coverage responded in each case, providing legalgeneral_bh_Layout counsel as well as1 the cost of the settlement.

5/30/2012 10:41 AM PageIf1it had not been for that coverage, these accidents would have been the sole responsibility of the trainer and/or owner. The results would have been financially devastating to the uninsured owners and/or trainers and their families.

If you are an owner, you might assume that your trainer is carrying coverage that applies to the examples mentioned, and likewise a trainer might think that an owner has coverage for those same situations. Communication between an owner and trainer, in conjunction with a consultation with an experienced equine insurance agent, is vital to ensuring that potential risks are reduced as much as possible through sufficient insurance coverage.

Legal fees, even for a straightforward and simple case, can be enormous, and it’s not uncommon for the owner and trainer to both be served with a suit, regardless of which one, if either, may ultimately be found responsible and liable.

“Based on our experience, the owner and trainer are typically both named in a lawsuit when there is physical damage or property damage,” said Delehanty.

The NHBPA member rate for the NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program is $90 per horse annually (for a one-year coverage period of November 1, 2012, to November 1, 2013) with a $180 minimum premium for less than three horses. For coverage after May 1, 2013, the rate is $50 per horse with a $100 minimum for coverage through November 1, 2013. Horsemen who are not members of the NHBPA can obtain coverage by paying $100 for an associate membership.

The policy includes up to $1-million in coverage for each occurrence and a $2-million general aggregate limit. Your insurance professional can advise you in regard to these coverage levels. general_tt_ns_Layout 1 6/8/2012 10:30 AM Page 1 Rest assured that in the horse business, accidents will occur and injuries will unfortunately result. There is plenty of gambling to be had in the sport of

horse racing—at the windows, in the breeding shed, at the claim box, in the auction ring and of course, in the running of the race itself—but the risk of not having sufficient insurance coverage is a gamble that you likely will not win and a bet you would not want to make.

In addition to considering the NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program, an annual insurance review should include a look at other types of coverage related to the horse racing industry.

THOSE POLICIES CAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: *Mortality insurance covers your animal against death, which results directly or indirectly from an accident, illness or disease. This includes but is not limited to such perils as fire, lightning, transportation, colic, fractures, artificial electricity and theft.

To be eligible, horses can be as young as 24 hours old. They must be sound and healthy at the inception of coverage. A veterinary certificate or owner’s statement of health is required. Rates are based on the age, use, value and breed of the animal. A minimum premium may apply based on the various company guidelines. *care custody and control insurance provides coverage for the legal liability resulting from an injury or death of a horse, not owned by you, but in your care. Policy options are based on a per-horse value and a maximum loss per policy year. Legal defense costs are included up to the liability limit selected. *Workers’ compensation is a required coverage for a trainer in most situations. It pays an employee who is hurt while in the course of working and includes some wage reimbursement.

There may be other types of insurance that are also applicable to your horse business, and as always, it is a good idea to consult with an insurance agent who has experience dealing with this particular industry.

For more information about the NHBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Program, visit www.hbpa.org/memberbenefitsdisplay.asp.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OFFICIAL SPONSOR of NationalHBPA HBPA of the the National

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fall 12

Denis Blake

feature

Brings Exciting changEs and OppOrtunitiEs fOr hOrsEmEn affEctEd By

twO prOpOsals, OnE callEd actiOn fOr childhOOd arrivals, Or thE drEam act, and thE OthEr, a prOvisiOn fOr fOrgivEnEss Of illEgal Entry By immEdiatE rElativEs Of u.s. citizEns callEd a 601 waivEr, arE schEdulEd tO gO intO EffEct in thE nEar futurE.

Americans numbed by continuing gridlock over the many issues confronting the federal government have at least a few significant changes to take note of this year in the world of immigration. As many horsemen know through direct experience, immigration is not simply an abstract subject that talking heads discuss on the nightly news, but a real-life issue that can bring legal dangers, both personally and in business.

From the trainer who has to wade through complex immigration forms to ensure his workforce has proper papers to prove that they are legal to work, to a groom who came to the United States as a child with his parents who has never committed a crime and works long, hard hours side-by-side with his U.S. citizen co-workers, to an American citizen who is married to a person without legal status in the United States who must choose between leaving the country to be with his spouse or saying goodbye to his spouse when she is removed by immigration to her home country, immigration issues affect many people in many different ways.

Fortunately, in election year 2012, some promising changes have been announced that will give employers some legal guidance to meet labor needs legally and provide solutions for relatives of U.S. citizens and young adults brought to the country as children who are here without legal authorization to come out of the shadows and fix, at least temporarily, their undocumented status. www.nationalhbpa.com

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FEatURE

WorK visAs It is no secret that despite extensive efforts by organizations such as the Groom Elite program and community college equine education programs, including the Bluegrass Community and Technical College program directed by former National HBPA CEO Remi Bellocq, to train Americans to work with horses, there are simply not enough Americans to fill the foundational-level occupations, such as groom and hot walker, that any barn requires to properly care for its horses.

Many trainers face a stark choice after they quickly realize they cannot find enough Americans to fill their groom and hot walker positions—either break the law by ignoring the immigration status of the employee or try to navigate through temporary immigration worker programs that are so complex they are administered by four separate agencies, the State Workforce Agency, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and the U.S. State Department. Many a frustrated trainer has experienced the joy of being approved by one agency only to be denied by another shortly thereafter.

The main program, which is called H-2B, was overhauled once in 2009 and then proposed to be overhauled in 2011. Any businessperson prizes consistency above almost everything else in their daily challenge to stay afloat. You can probably guess that a second major change in the H-2B program in three years was not warmly received by business people who are trying to navigate the already complex immigration system in order to ensure the exclusive employment of a legal workforce. As a result of a coalition of businesses that use H-2B visas as a partial workforce solution, the 2011 regulations have so far been put on hold to assess the practical effect the proposed regulations will have on business. As of now, the regulations that were due to go into effect in October 2011 are expected to be postponed for a third time for an additional six months from October 1, 2012. The National HBPA, American Horse Council and National Thoroughbred Racing Association have all contributed significant leadership in the coalition effort.

relieF For the unDocuMenteD If you go to the backside of any track or to many farms, you will undoubtedly hear Spanish being spoken, and if you are lucky enough to eat in backside restaurants like the Post Time Kitchen at Churchill Downs, you will be treated to some of the best home-cooked Mexican food you have ever tasted.

People from Mexico, Guatemala and throughout the Latin American world have a significant impact on the horse industry in the United States. Latin Americans are highly renowned as jockeys, exercise riders, grooms and hot walkers, and most of these people who make such a valuable contribution to the industry and the people whom they work for are here legally. Some, however, are not.

For a small number of the people who are in the United States without legal authorization, there are two programs that have been announced that will provide a limited temporary opportunity to come out of the shadows and obtain legal status in the United States. For a person in this country, life without documentation is hard. You have no ability to get a driver’s license.

Without identification, you cannot open a bank account or legally work “above the table.” For a person who came as a child, this means spending your entire childhood in the United States but having no pathway to a normal stable life as an adult. For a U.S. citizen married to a person who entered the United States without legal permission, your family stability is always only one midnight knock on the door by Immigration from being ripped apart. Two proposals, one called Action for Childhood Arrivals, or the DREAM Act, and the other, a provision for forgiveness of illegal entry by immediate relatives of U.S. citizens called a 601 Waiver, are scheduled to go into effect in the near future.

The DREAM Act as proposed went into effect August 15, 2012. The DREAM Act will allow undocumented individuals to obtain what is called Deferred Action from Deportation for a period of two years and to obtain a work permit, if they meet the following requirements: 40

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• • • •

are under age 30; came to the United States at least five years ago; last entered the United States before they were 15 years old; have finished high school, completed a GED program or served in the U.S. Military; • and have never been convicted of a crime as serious as DUI. While this proposal has many question marks, it is very exciting for children who have grown up in the United States but faced the difficult choice of going back to a country where they haven’t been since they were young or remaining in the United States without the legal opportunity to work and build a life. The DREAM Act will provide a stopgap solution for these childhood entrants who came to the United States before they could make an adult choice to live legally here for at least two years.

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who entered the United States without legal authorization, a new proposal scheduled to go into effect in the fall allows for the U.S. citizen to ask Immigration to forgive their immediate relative’s unauthorized entry if the U.S. citizen relative can show that separation from their relative would cause them substantial hardship. This forgiveness is called a 601 Waiver and already exists.

The new proposal does not change the basic substance of the law, but importantly it allows the applicant to remain in the United States while Immigration is considering whether to approve or deny the waiver. Under current procedures, the applicant must return to their home country to ask for the waiver and can be outside the country for many months and sometimes years while the waiver is being considered. The separation causes many hardships to married couples forced to be separated for long periods of time. Often the primary breadwinner is forced to leave the United States while their U.S. citizen relative is left behind with their young children and seriously diminished household income. Immigration decided the hardship this separation causes can be avoided by allowing the waiver consideration to be conducted in the United States. This change will prevent long-term separations of families and allow the government to continue meeting its objectives while providing a more humane approach to the program.

Questions still reMAin The new proposals that have been announced in the last few months are temporary in nature. The H-2B worker visa fix is only part of a six-month continuing resolution that will expire in April 2013. If no long-term fix is enacted at that time, the H-2B program may become unworkable. The Deferred Action for Childhood Entrants will only grant a two-year reprieve to recipients. No one knows what the fate of the Deferred Action Program will be after its sunset in two years. Serious questions remain as to what the status of the Deferred Action recipients will be at the end of their two-year grant of Deferred Action if the program is not renewed.

Given that 2012 is an election year, many questions exist that will not be answered until the results of the November election are final and the course of the administration is more predictable. In the meantime, your National HBPA and local HBPA affiliates will be advocating for the interests of the horsemen at the highest levels of government and working on the front lines of the immigration issue for their members on the backside of the track, at the licensure office, with social security and with local law enforcement. One thing is certain—there will be plenty of developments to write about next issue when this picture has come more sharply into focus.

William Velie and Craig McDougal are attorneys who represent Horseman Labor Solutions, an immigration services company that represents horsemen throughout the United States in immigration matters. Horseman Labor Solutions, a sponsor of the National HBPA, can be reached online at www.horsemanlabor.com or by phone at 1-877-678-RACE.

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The National HBPA Foundation, a tax-exempt Sec. 501 (c)(3) fund, was developed as a safety net for horsemen when other forms of assistance are unavailable or have been exhausted after disaster strikes. Every year, the National HBPA Foundation helps horsemen make it through difficult times such as disease quarantines at a racetrack or natural disasters likes floods, fires, etc. by providing tens of thousands of dollars in needed assistance.

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feature

handling hoof cauSeS

By Heather Smith Thomas

Sudden lameneSS with heat in the foot and SometimeS Swelling above the hoof iS often the Sign of an abSceSS. Paul goodneSS, Senior member of a grouP farrier Practice called forging ahead that iS baSed in round hill, virginia, categorizeS hoof abSceSSeS aS being of two tyPeS. “SuPerficial abSceSSeS involve tiSSueS juSt under the horn—beneath the wall, frog or Sole,” he Said. “deeP abSceSSeS involve deePer StructureS of the foot, Such aS boneS, jointS, burSa and SometimeS tendonS and ligamentS. theSe can be more comPlicated to deal with.”

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There are multiple causes for hoof abscesses, including punctures from sticks, glass, nails—such as fence-board nails or misdriven farrier nails—or some other foreign body.

“Bruising can also result in abscesses,” asserted Goodness. “Hoof capsule defects or distortions (flares) can cause separation between wall and sole, and if debris gets in there, it may cause classic gravel infection that travels up the white line between the wall and inner tissues to eventually break out at the coronary band.

With Thoroughbreds here in Virginia, we often see under-run, crushed heels, and those can turn into a big, ugly abscess.”

Poor hoof conformation with extra strain and stress on certain parts of the foot can weaken the structure and enable bacteria to enter, which may lead to an abscess.

Scott Morrison, DVM, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, says weak feet with flares or dishes are prone to abscesses because the tissues are stretched at the white line, and those openings invite bacteria to enter.

Thin, weak soles that are easily bruised may also lead to abscesses. Hoof cracks may also abscess if they go through the full thickness of the wall.

“Whenever the hoof barrier is breached by any kind of crack, flare, dish or defects in the white line, bacteria can enter,” explained Morrison.

Denis Blake

“Some people try to fix toe cracks by filling them with glue,” he added.

“This is dangerous because you never really get the crack perfectly clean and may seal in bacteria. Then bacteria can fester under the glue, and it’s a perfect environment for them to multiply. When we do any hoof wall or crack repair, it’s important to pack off the bed of the crack with cotton and antiseptic, so we don’t have to glue directly onto the crack.”

Horses with laminitis may abscess because the white line is more stretched than normal.

“It’s not a nice, tight junction between sole and wall,” stated Morrison.

“Seedy toe or separations at the ground surface of the hoof wall can often lead to infection as well.”

“If a horse is chronically foundered, the sole is usually flattened, making it more likely to bruise,” added Goodness.

Any flat-footed horse is more prone to bruising. If the bruise is severe with damage to tissues inside the sole, serum accumulates in that area. The serum and damaged tissue create a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.

In Kentucky, Morrison sees many cracked soles and bars during the winter months.

“The foot is generally soft because the ground is wet,” he said. “The soft foot may hit frozen mud or ice and crack the sole or bar. Subsolar infections may develop secondary to the crack. Wet weather is also a common predisposing factor. The foot gets soft, and the white line is stretched, making it easy for bacteria to work their way up it.”

Thrush can also lead to an abscess if neglected.

“Bad cases of thrush may get deep and go into the digital cushion or near the deep digital flexor tendon sheath,” stated Morrison. “I’ve seen some horses slough off the entire frog after a bad case of thrush.”

“Any time there’s tissue damage and cell death, bacteria will be involved,” added Goodness.

If there’s enough bacterial multiplication to overwhelm the horse’s immune system, an infection and abscess will result.

“Instabilities in the hoof capsule due to laminitis, keratomas or quittor (infection in the cartilage) may alter the structure enough that it becomes unstable,” Goodness continued. “A keratoma may put a lot of pressure on parts of the hoof and squeeze off the blood supply. In cases of quittor, there may be eruption of pus through the hairline.”

In rare instances, there may be a systemic cause of foot abscesses.

“If the horse has a severe infection in the body—a blood poisoning or septicemia—it may involve the foot and create an abscess,” added Goodness about the condition similar to septic arthritis in which infection settles into the joints.

treAtMent Treatment for any abscess is the same after you determine the cause and try to correct it.

“If a foreign body is still in the foot, you need to pull it out,” recommended Goodness. “You won’t clear up an abscess until you get rid of the initial cause.”

Drainage must be established. So you need to locate the abscess, open it up, flush out any pus and get medications into that area. Many hoof abscesses are under pressure from buildup of pus, and pressure causes pain, similar to a swelling or infection under your thumbnail or toenail. It hurts excruciatingly because the swelling is encased under a solid structure.

“Often when we are probing for an abscess and find it, the pus squirts several feet when we hit it,” said Goodness. “The horse will literally groan or sigh with relief when that pressure and pain is suddenly removed. It is important to establish adequate drainage, but it needs to be carefully done so you don’t interfere with the integrity of the hoof. You don’t want to make a www.nationalhbpa.com

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PROTECTING THE SITE Depending on the size of the hole in the sole, some horses may need a shoe and pad to protect it until it grows out. Often the limiting factor on how soon the horse can go back to work is the hole in the sole.

The abscess has healed, but it may take several months for the sole to fill in enough that the horse won’t go tender or re-injure the area if he steps on a rock.

After the infection is gone, the hole can be protected by a bandage, foot wrap or hoof boot to keep dirt out.

“Any hole in the sole will need protection for as long as it is still pliable and vulnerable to pressure, until it becomes more firm (like the rest of the sole) when you press on it with your thumb,” said Morrison.

“You can often use a wide-web shoe that covers the hole or a shoe and a pad. Boots are an option, but you have to change them and make sure they are not rubbing the ankles and making them sore or that they don’t fall off when the horse is turned out.”

A HANDY WAY TO SOAK A FOOT When dealing with an abscess, any kind of hoof infection, deep thrush or puncture wound, it is beneficial to soak the foot.

“I use a walking soak,” said Goodness. “We cut a piece of foam or open-cell polyurethane like carpet foam, and this material is a half-inch to one-inch thick. This gives a little cushioning and can hold medication. We cut this to the shape of the foot and then use an IV bag (very thick, durable, pliable plastic) and put the foot into that.”

The IV bags come in two sizes, 3,000 and 5,000 milliliters.

“Most horses’ feet fit nicely into the smaller size,” said Goodness. “We put the foam under the foot, and the foot into the bag, and then use something like CoFlex, which is similar to the Vetrap-type of elastic bandage, and wrap the bag snugly against the hoof. We then go over the top of that with Elasticon or some other type of stretchable bandage material so it’s a snug fit around the hoof. Then we trim the bag with scissors to the level of the hairline so it’s low profile. Depending on the shape of the foot (if it’s straight up and down), sometimes we’ll end it a little above the hairline so it will stay on. But on the flat flaring feet, we can end it below the hairline because the shape/angle of the hoof wall keeps it from coming off.

“If the horse will be turned out, we do one more layer over the outside, with several thicknesses of duct tape, to make it more durable,” he continued. “The bag itself is pretty tough, but the duct tape helps protect it. Then we mix up a concoction to put in the bag for the soaking. Our favorite antiseptic is Podi-Chlo, a chlorine-dioxide soaking solution. We pour that into the boot we just created, and the spongy material under the hoof absorbs it. Because the wrap is fairly snug to the foot, this soaking solution remains active for up to 24 hours. The horse can be turned out and move around normally.”

This helps with blood circulation, which is necessary for good healing. The horse can walk around in a paddock or pasture and keep the blood circulating properly in the feet.

“We don’t advise leaving this boot/bandage on for more than 24 hours, but often they will be OK even longer,” he said. “If the bandage boot stays on longer, you can replenish the soaking solution once a day and flush it with some fresh solution. This seems to work fine. This is our favorite way to soak a foot, and we’ve been doing it for years. It’s simple and works great.”

Used IV bags are readily available from your veterinarian. They are durable and last a long time.

“We often reuse them,” Goodness said. “We’ve used commercial soaking boots, and they are handy.

But they are also large and awkward. Since we have access to the IV bags and use just a little bit of tape, we don’t charge the client anything for these ‘boots.’”

Courtesy Paul Goodness

huge hole in an over-zealous exploration or it takes longer to heal and close up.”

It’s a fine line between what is adequate to allow proper drainage without the hole closing up before all the infection is gone and what is too much.

Morrison explained that sometimes the veterinarian examines the foot, finds the sore spot and follows the tract but can’t find the abscess because it’s so deep or so far up the wall it can’t be reached.

“Rather than making a deep hole or a big crater to try to follow it (creating more damage), it’s better to use a wet, warm poultice overnight,” he suggested. “This helps bring it to a head and makes it easier to find or encourages it to blow out through the coronary band or heel bulb so it can drain.”

Once the infection is opened and drained, it should be soaked to draw out any remaining pus, so the area can begin to heal.

“At that point, you want to keep the foot hydrated and soft so the abscess can continue to drain for at least four or five days,” Morrison suggested. “We generally use some kind of soak or poultice. A poultice pad works well; you put warm water on it, put it next to the site to help draw out the infection and keep it moist so it can keep draining.”

He warns against use of Betadine or any kind of iodine or astringent at first.

“Don’t use anything that would dry it and shrink up the tissue or it will close up the hole,” he advised. “You want to keep it open for several days, which can be accomplished by soaking.”

Traditional soaking with Epsom salts for at least 20 minutes daily can help, or you can use a soaking boot that stays on the foot.

“Once we’ve kept it hydrated for several days and the horse is comfortable and no longer lame, then we can start drying it up,” said Morrison.

“That’s when we use things like Betadine.”

By then, the infection should be gone, and the tissue can start healing.

Goodness likes to use some of the newer antiseptic soaking compounds.

“They have advantages over the traditional warm water and Epsom salts,” he explained. “I generally use chlorine-dioxide soaks.”

With deep abscesses, systemic antibiotics may be necessary, but most hoof abscesses, if adequate drainage is established, clean up and heal quickly.

“If a persistent abscess won’t go away within a week or two, you need more diagnostics,” said Goodness. “There’s an underlying problem and it’s not going to heal on its own.”

A foam pad is cut out to fit over the sole

An IV bag is put over the foot

Elastic bandage over the IV bag

Duct tape over all the wraps to give more durability

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By Melissa Sykes

tenDon trouBles

i’ll hAve Another…union rAgs…roses in MAY…tAste oF pArADise…Azeri. WhAt Do All oF these Multiple grADeD stAKes Winners hAve in coMMon? All oF their cAreers Were cut short BY tenDon inJuries. the thoroughBreD rAcehorse hAs Been BreD AnD conDitioneD For centuries to run FAster AnD FArther With eAch neW generAtion. veterinArY science hAs ADvAnceD BY leAps AnD BounDs, But We’re still leArning WhAt reAllY cAuses A horse to BoW A tenDon. As More is leArneD ABout the cAuses oF tenDon inJuries, We Might Be ABle to Better preDict AnD prevent their occurrence.

AnAtoMY oF the eQuine ForeliMB The equine leg is made up of long tendons and ligaments (see diagram on next page). The main structures are the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) and the suspensory ligament (SL).

Tendons in the equine forelimb, or front legs, act mainly to position the leg correctly during movement. According to a 2010 study conducted by researchers at University College London in the United Kingdom, “Some tendons have an additional function, acting as springs to store and release energy” as they are stretched via the weight of the horse and then recoiled during the non-weightbearing phase of the stride. This extension and recoil of the tendons decreases the amount of energy used during movement.

In a paper published in 2007, Clemson University scientists determined that as speed increases, DDFT force increases and stabilizes hyperextension of the fetlock, helping the SDFT in limb-load support.

“The DDFT has fast-contracting properties that make it susceptible to fatigue, and overloading of the SDFT results from fatigue of the synergistic, faster-contracting DDFT,” the study found.

The two energy-storing tendons, the SDFT and the SL, are the most commonly injured in racehorses worldwide with the SDFT accounting for 75-93% of cases.

Researchers in Poland recently published a study on the incidence of tendonitis, or inflammation of the equine tendon/ligament, in both Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. Their research showed that, in both breeds, the most frequent injuries concern the SDFT, followed by the SL. Over 95% of tendonitis concerns the forelimbs.

In Thoroughbreds, the prevalence of tendonitis was found to be higher in bigger horses and in males when compared to females. The inside limb is more at risk of SDFT injury, while the external limb is more susceptible to inflammation of the SL. They also found that tendonitis severity increases with the age of the animal.

FinDing A cAuse Hong Kong researchers undertook a project to identify what portion of the horses racing over a 12-year period was retired due to tendon injury. The study looked at the period from 1992 to 2004. What they found was that more 3- and 4-year-olds and entire males were retired due to tendon injury. Also, 97% of the reported injuries affected the forelimb and the SDFT, with most occurring in the right front leg (this would be the ‘inside leg’ as racing in Hong Kong is run clockwise).

More often than not, the horse is not diagnosed with a bow (lesion/tear in the tendon) until it is too late, and trainers are hard-pressed to identify a www.nationalhbpa.com

47

FEatURE

Courtesy Dr. Helen Birch

particular incident that caused the injury. This is typically because the tendon has begun to degenerate at the molecular level prior DDFT to injury. The same SDFT degenerative process is seen in humans SL prior to tendon injuries.

CDET Unfortunately, science doesn’t yet know what initially causes this degeneration.

Once inflammation and swelling have been detected, the damage has been done. Just ask the connections of Kentucky Derby (Gr. I) winner I’ll Have Another. A little filling and heat, but no lameness, yet an ultrasound of the tendon revealed a lesion.

Tendon injuries usually mean the horse is out for at least a year. And once returned to competition, the chances for re-injury are high. This is mainly because although tendons can regain full strength upon recovery, they do not return to normal elasticity. The Polish study determined that the chances of returning to racing after a tendon injury drop dramatically with lesions longer than 12 cm.

possiBle hope For the Future Recent research has begun to look at the make-up of the SDFT and the rest of the suspensory support apparatus. Because of the energetic quality of the SDFT and the SL, more and more intricate dissection has been undertaken to

understand just how the tendon works.

Every trainer knows that the racehorse has to be exposed to speed work at an early age to facilitate the remodeling of the canon bone. These early stresses cause micro-fractures in the bone that, when remodeled, are stronger, helping to prevent bucked shins. The SDFT and SL are also exhibiting micro-damage during exercise.

“However, they don’t seem to remodel in response to exercise,” explained Dr. Helen Birch of University College London. “The SDFT and SL probably suffer higher amounts of micro-damage than the other structures because of the high strains they experience.”

Long-term, high-intensity training in mature horses has shown changes that suggest accelerated aging in the SDFT. Scientists have also determined that during exercise the SDFT’s core temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). So the accepted practice of icing the legs after exercise may have a beneficial effect.

There are many treatments out there for tendon injuries: hyperbaric oxygen, stem cells, tendon splitting, placing the limb in a cast and plain old tender loving care. What is not out there is a definitive prevention for tendon injury. But that could all change.

Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith and other researchers at Colorado State University designed a study to identify the potential for injury in young racehorses. The group spent 10 months studying 2- and 3-year-olds in race training. Lameness evaluations and the collection of blood serum were conducted monthly. Out of 238 horses, 59 suffered some type of musculoskeletal injury. Seventeen of the injured horses, representing 29%, were diagnosed with a tendon or ligament injury.

What was most significant in this study was that researchers correctly identified horses as injured or uninjured 74% of the time by utilizing blood markers and detecting changes prior to outward physical symptoms.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before veterinarians at the racetrack are able to utilize this same technology.

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Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion or policy of the publisher or National HBPA board or staff. alaBama hBPa We may not be racing live in Birmingham, Alabama, but we do have Alabama-bred horses running.

As the Birmingham Racing Commission has shut the door in the face of the Alabama Thoroughbred horsemen and women, working with Birmingham Race Course to fund the recently announced upcoming “live Quarter Horse” meet with funds generated from Thoroughbred simulcast revenues, the Alabama HBPA is doing what we can to support owners running Alabama-breds. To date, we have distributed $4,500 of the $10,000 guaranteed for 2012 to first-, second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers. These owners have been racing at Delta Downs, Ellis Park, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, Indiana Downs and Mountaineer.

Congratulations to the owners of Anchored Back, All Things Gold, Conan, Justin a Storm, Kostroma’s Joy, Magic de Naskra and Royals Silver Lady.

Our webpage is up and running at www.alhbpa.com. As news happens, we will continue to update the site. The most significant news we have received is the appointment of Thomas Dawkins, DVM, to the Birmingham Racing Commission. Having done a brief stint on the commission in the past, he is aware of how they operate. Dr. Dawkins replaces Ron Forrester, who made up the deciding third vote that has historically been biased toward the wants of Birmingham Race Course.

Once again, attending the National HBPA Summer Convention shows how we, as horsemen, really do need to continue supporting the industry. Thanks go out to all the speakers, the medical forum and the continued battle to keep Lasix/Salix. I never cease to be impressed by the caliber of this group and all they are doing.

We continue, albeit slow and steady, Nancy Delony, Executive Director

YaVapai DownS UpDatE Yavapai Downs remains a question for everyone. At the time of this writing, former Arizona HBPA President Gary Miller is still pursuing the purchase of the racetrack facility. He and his team have been trying to put together a plan to purchase and open the facility for racing in the summer of 2013. It would be a much-improved facility under new management with better purses for horsemen. Our thanks and appreciation go out to Gary for all the time and effort he has put in on behalf of horsemen to get this facility up and running to help keep horse racing alive in Arizona. arkaNsas hBPa In Arkansas, we have five seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall and the Oaklawn live meet! The live meet is set to run from Friday, January 11, to Saturday, April 13. Horses will begin to arrive on the Oaklawn backside in mid-November. Oaklawn has increased its purses on 13 of its 32 stakes races planned for 2013, including a majority of its 3-year-old stakes races. Overall, the track has raised stakes purses by $400,000 to $5.7 million, the richest in its history. There will be more money and points available to Kentucky Derby hopefuls at Oaklawn in 2013 than at any other track in the United States.

Boosts of $100,000 were made to the Rebel Stakes for colts and geldings and also to the Fantasy Stakes for fillies. Both stakes are for 3-year-olds. The Smarty Jones and Southwest Stakes have increased by $50,000 apiece. The Honeybee Stakes for fillies increased by $25,000. There will no stakes for less than $60,000, including state-bred stakes.

Ballots for the Arkansas HBPA board elections went out on August 1 and will be counted September 5. Good luck to those running.

We are looking forward to seeing all of our horsemen soon!

Denis Blake

arizoNa hBPa tURF paRaDiSE UpDatE Turf Paradise stall applications were due August 10. The track opened on August 29 for horsemen to clean their barns and set up. On September 5, horses will be allowed on the premises, and the main track will open for training on September 7.

Our backstretch committee, chaired by Jack Chase, has been extremely helpful this year in overseeing backstretch repairs and improvements. There has been a crew cutting weeds, trimming trees and cleaning barns, the Starting Gate Bar has been painted, the floor has been tiled and several other improvements made. Turf Paradise has promised to paint and clean up the backstretch kitchen and add some different furniture, so we are looking forward to a fresh, clean kitchen. We are negotiating hard on bathroom improvements.

We are pushing hard for all our requests to be fulfilled before horsemen arrive.

The backstretch committee comprises Chair Jack Chase, Tony Klenakis, Victor Oliver, Manny Ortiz Sr. and Lloyd Yother.

On Friday, October 5, they will be off and running at Turf Paradise for another season. In addition, this year Lloyd Yother was instrumental in getting the track to participate and run the John Deere Juvenile Challenge trials, Bank of America Championship Challenge trials and the Red Cell Distance Challenge trials for Quarter Horses on Friday, September 28.

www.nationalhbpa.com

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florida hBPa thE 2012 claiminG cRown comES to GUlFStREam The Claiming Crown is a joint venture between the National HBPA and TOBA that was actually a product of a conversation between then-National HBPA President Bill Walmsley and TOBA President Drew Couto that took place after a Jockey Club Round Table meeting in the mid-1990s. It was thought the races could be run in Alabama at the recently closed Birmingham Race Course to return live racing to that venue. When that idea repeatedly failed to come to fruition, the Minnesota HBPA stepped up and offered purse money to make the Claiming Crown not only a reality but a success in 1999, its first year of operation. It was then run for many years at Canterbury Park under the guidance of Tom Metzen Sr., along with the Minnesota HBPA and Canterbury Park President and CEO Randy Sampson, and, of course, Dan Metzger and our friends at TOBA. Recently, the Claiming Crown had moved around the country with stops in Kentucky, Louisiana and Pennsylvania interspersed with it returning to its home base of Canterbury Park. The purses for this six-race showcase for claiming horses had always totaled $500,000 contributed from the purse account of the host HBPA affiliate. The purses for two races were $50,000 with two others at $75,000 and one each at $100,000 and $150,000. The purses were obviously becoming stale at this level, as indicated last year when only five of the races could be filled, and then only with 37 horses for a fairly dismal 7.4 starters per race.

The future of the Claiming Crown looked bleak to say the least.

Last year, Gulfstream Park opened their meet in early December for the first time in memory, rather than their historical January 3 opening date.

Gulfstream is the dominant winter track in the United States, but it had no signature race or races for its new opening weekend. Gulfstream Park President and former FHBPA Vice President Tim Ritvo asked the FHBPA if they would have any interest in Gulfstream Park getting involved with the Claiming Crown.

The FHBPA board immediately indicated they would very much be interested but wanted to see the Claiming Crown purse structure increased substantially. The FHBPA Board of Directors agreed to take $800,000 from their purse pool to be used for the new 2012 edition of the Claiming Crown.

We told Racing Secretary Dan Bork that with nomination, start and entry fees deducted before the purses were paid, he could safely announce total purses of $850,000.

The way the Claiming Crown had been originally set up, there were two races for horses that had started for a claiming price of $7,500 or less since January 1, 2011, one for the girls and one for the boys. There were also two similar races for horses starting for a claiming price of $16,000 or less in the same time frame, one for each sex. The problem came at the next level, where there was just one race for horses that had started for $25,000 or less since January 1, 2011. There was no race for fillies and mares. The final race of the Claiming Crown had always had the highest purse, $150,000, and was open to all horses that had started for a claiming price of $35,000 or less since January 1.

Dan Bork immediately created the Tiara for fillies and mares that had raced for a claiming price of $25,000 or less since January 1, 2011. Problem solved. Now there were seven races for $850,000 in purses for the inaugural Gulfstream Park Claiming Crown.

The complete lineup of stakes and purses is as follows: • The Iron Horse and Express both had their purses increased from $50,000 to $100,000; • The Rapid Transit and Glass Slipper for fillies and mares both had 50

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their purses increased from $75,000 to $100,000; • The Emerald and Tiara for fillies and mares both now have purses of $125,000; • The feature Claiming Crown race, the Jewel, had its purse bumped from $150,000 to $200,000.

Dan also revamped the nomination system for the new Claiming Crown, creating trainer nominations whereby for $100 payable by August 31, a trainer became qualified to nominate any eligible horse of his/her choice at the closing time for regular nominations on November 9, 2012. Trainers who made the $100 trainer nomination payment by August 31 are eligible to nominate horses

by November 9 for 0.2% of the purse of the chosen race. For trainers who did not make the trainer nomination payment, supplemental nominations for 5% of the purse can be made at the time of entry, November 28, for these races, which are all to be run Saturday, December 1, 2012.

Claiming horses are the backbone of the Thoroughbred industry, and they deserve a special day in the limelight. We expect this year’s Claiming Crown will be the best ever and will become an opening week fixture at Gulfstream for many years to come.

Fhbpa boaRD mEmbERS haVE a FiElD DaY in thE 2012 SUmmit oF SpEED The 2012 renewal of the Summit of Speed, affectionately known as the SOS because that’s the distress signal the purse pool’s overnights give off after these stakes are run, consisted of stakes races totaling $1.3 million, up $250,000 from the 2011 edition of the SOS. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Calder horsemen won all but one of the six races, winning an impressive $922,160 of the total stakes purses, or almost 71 percent of the total stakes purses.

Last year, 12 horses shipped in for the Summit of Speed and were opposed by 15 local horses in the four stakes. This year, in the six stakes, 39 local horses were confronted by only 12 shippers that were new to the Calder backside. Last year’s races were run on a sloppy track that was upgraded to good before the end of the card while this year the weather was sunny and the track fast for the entire card.

The Summit began with FHBPA Board Member Chester Bishop’s Tale of a Champion taking the $100,000 Bob Umphrey Sprint at five furlongs on the grass. The winning trainer was Chris Gatos, also a part owner of Tale of a Champion. Determinato, owned by Ron Marano and trained by FHBPA Vice President Larry Pilotti, ran third, narrowly beaten for second by the Mike Yatestrained Tripski, owned by Shadybrook Farm and William Lussky. A shipper from Churchill Downs ran eighth in the nine-horse field.

Next up was the Carry Back, a Grade II, $150,000 stakes contested at six furlongs. Jacks or Better Farm’s Fort Loudon, trained by Stan Gold, got up after a long stretch duel to edge Trinniberg, a former Calder horse who had just easily won the Grade II Woody Stephens at Belmont in his last start. FHBPA Vice President/Treasurer Barry Rose was fourth in this race with Rose Family Stable’s Rex’s Last Tour.

The $150,000 Azalea (Gr. III), also run at six furlongs, was won by FHBPA Secretary Bill Kaplan, who trained Another Romance to an almost two-length victory for Lewis Pell, Michael Eigner and Pinnacle Racing Stable. Citizen Advocate and Redbud Road were second and third, respectively, and two shippers from Monmouth finished fifth and sixth in the nine-horse field.

The shippers’ luck changed in the six-furlong, $400,000 Smile Handicap (Gr. II) as Churchill Downs shipper Gantry, trained by Ron Faucheux, easily beat the three Calder horses, Indiano, Close It Out and Artefacto, who were in the three-horse photo for second. Gantry has now won four of the five stakes he has participated in this year, finishing third in the Grade II Churchill Downs Stakes in his last start.

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bacKSiDE DoinGS Chaplain Tom LaPointe and Assistant Chaplain Alberto Grimaldi have been busy as usual keeping those who live and work on the backside entertained.

During the Calder meet, Chaplain Tom and his His Place Ministry volunteers have put on several barbecues (pictured with Alberto cooking) sponsored by the FHBPA. Tom also gives out 700 pounds of sandwiches that he gets from the food bank on the backside each week.

Recently Tom created a basketball court in one of the backside parking lots and held the first Calder basketball tournament, which was won by the Calder Casino Security Staff (pictured). Second-place went to the Guerreros’ Grooms team, and third-place went to the Calder Starting Gate Crew.

There currently is a soccer league in progress with five teams that play on the soccer field on the infield of the training track, and there are always pool tournaments played in the FHBPA Lounge.

Recently, the FHBPA teamed with Calder to give out more than 350 backpacks loaded with school supplies for Calder children headed back to school.

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In the six-furlong, $400,000 Princess Rooney Handicap (Gr. I), the Queen of Calder, Musical Romance, bested Nicole H, who had just lost the Grade II Vagrancy at Belmont by a neck in her last start. Musical Romance won the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Gr. I) and the Eclipse Award for female sprinter last year among her many other accomplishments. Musical Romance put trainer Bill Kaplan back in the winner’s circle again along with Pinnacle Racing Stable’s Adam Lazarus, who is a director on the FHBPA board.

Kaplan also is a part owner of Musical Romance.

The Summit of Speed concluded with the $100,000 Hollywood Wildcat contested at 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass. Trainer Manny Azpurua easily won this race by six lengths with Gary Aiken’s Callmethesqueeze, while Brinca, Trip for A. J. and Catch That Kitten finished in a photo for second.

In the last three years, the home team Calder horses have won 83%, 62% and 71% of the stakes purses offered, respectively. Financially, this is a big day for Calder, but management basically didn’t even see fit to advertise this event to the public. I have heard a lot of horsemen openly question how can we support a bunch of million-dollar stakes days with the level of overnights currently being paid at Calder? It’s a legitimate question.

iNdiaNa hBPa national, StatE anD inDiana hbpa aFFiliatE ElEctionS loom laRGE FoR hoRSEmEn The airwaves and newspapers are full of news on federal and state elections, which have huge policy importance for the horse racing and breeding industry. Indiana horsemen and women will be electing a new governor plus 100 state representatives and 25 state senators in advance of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2013 biennial budget session.

If history is any indicator, the revenues dedicated to the agribusiness and employment engine that is Indiana racing and breeding will be under intense scrutiny.

The Indiana HBPA has already begun its targeted grassroots education program in anticipation of a challenging legislative session. We are meeting with key Indiana legislators and candidates in an effort to provide them with relevant information about the industry and its economic development value to the state, in addition to coordinating local industry contacts.

We encourage our horsemen and women to get informed about and involved in their local legislative campaigns. Make sure your local legislative candidates know who you are, what you do and why that matters to the local, regional and state economy.

At the same time, the Indiana HBPA is conducting an election for new officers and a new board of directors. Candidates were nominated August 6, with ballots and biographical information scheduled to be mailed to eligible voters by August 27. Ballots must be returned by September 27 to be counted the next day. The new board and officers will be seated one week later.

As we said about national and state elections, make sure you are informed and involved in the affiliate elections. Act as though your livelihood depends on your participation. It does. bEnEVolEncE papERwoRK REminDER During the spring meet at Indiana Downs, the Indiana HBPA provided a broad spectrum of benevolence services for our horsemen and women, both ontrack and through a multitude of providers throughout the area.

With the August 1 opening of the Hoosier Park meet, provision of on-track services shifted to our facility on the backside of the Anderson track.

A note of reminder: A new application must be filled out every year. Any of our horsemen who did not fill out benevolence paperwork at Indiana Downs must do so at Hoosier Park before any claims will be paid. Stop in at the IN HBPA trailer to begin the eligibility process. ihRc to conDUct continUinG EDUcation SEminaR FoR tRainERS The Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) has announced October 14 as the tentative date for the second of its 2012 continuing education seminars for trainers. The October session will be held at Swifty Farms, near Seymour, in conjunction with the 2012 ITOBA In-Training Sale.

On June 27, the IHRC held the first of its 2012 seminars at Indiana Downs. More than 70 trainers attended the four-hour session, which featured information on equine respiratory conditions and treatments, immigration documentation and compliance, workers’ compensation verification procedures and medications.

In 2010, the IHRC mandated that, beginning no later than January 1, 2012, in order to maintain a current license, trainers must complete at least four hours per calendar year of continuing education courses approved by the commission in order to maintain a current license in Indiana. www.nationalhbpa.com

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This year, the continuing education requirement was extended through 2013.

Notices and agendas for the upcoming seminar will be provided, when available, on the IHRC website at www.in.gov/hrc and on the IN HBPA website at www.inhbpa.org.

Iowa HBPa Prairie Meadows 2012 Meet in the Books The racing meet at Prairie Meadows ended on August 11 this year for a total of 62 days of racing. The meet was highlighted by the running of the Grade III Cornhusker Handicap on June 30. The Cornhusker was won by Fort Larned, who is owned by Janis Whitham and trained by Ian Wilkes.

Two other Grade III stakes where held on June 30—the Iowa Derby and Iowa Oaks. The Derby this year was won by none other than Hansen. Hansen is the 2011 Eclipse Award winner for top 2-year-old male. The Oaks this year was won

by Uptown Bertie, who is owned by Elaine and Bertram Klein and Richard Klein and trained by Steve Margolis.

The NHBPA Summer Convention was held at Prairie Meadows during the running of the three graded stakes this year with many attendees admiring the quality of racing that is put out by Prairie Meadows during the Festival of Racing weekend.

Next year’s race meet is still under discussion, and guarantees about the dates for the following year have been put into place. Once the dates have been set, an e-mail will be sent out to all the individuals in our e-mail database letting everyone know of the upcoming meet dates. If you haven’t already, please send us your e-mail address by contacting us at iahbpa@aol.com.

Denis Blake

nhBPa suMMer Convention wraP uP The NHBPA Summer Convention was an amazing success for the IA HBPA. This was only accomplished with the help of the IA HBPA board of directors and the convention committee participants. The IA HBPA wants to thank all the members who participated in making this a successful convention.

We also want to thank the sponsors for this year’s convention who include: • Prairie Meadows, which not only was a major sponsor for all of the panels, but also sponsored this year’s banquet during the running of the graded races on June 30.

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• ITBOA was another large sponsor to this year’s convention and helped sponsor the Welcoming Cocktail Party for all the attendees and guests.

• River Ridge Ranch provided a sponsorship and also a guided tour of their facility by Sandra Rasmussen and Doug Vail.

• Porter’s Hardware as a providing sponsor.

• Griffieon Feed as a providing sponsor.

• Royal Flooring as a providing sponsor.

Thanks again to all of the sponsors to the NHPBA 2012 Summer Convention held in Altoona, Iowa. iowa hBPa winter hours With racing now complete at the track, the office off-season hours will now go back into effect. Those hours will be Monday through Friday from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. You can contact us at (515) 967-4804 or via e-mail at iahbpa@aol.com.

There has been no discussion about the HBPA office moving this year, but if it does occur, the office will be located on the fourth floor of Prairie Meadows next to simulcasting. Also, give us a call to verify our location and hours before coming out.

KentucKy HBPa President’s Message By now you are probably aware that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) at a subsequent meeting voted to ban Lasix in 2-year-olds on race day starting in 2014. At a prior meeting, the vote had ended in a 7-to-7 tie so the Lasix ban was defeated. However, this time the vote was in favor of the ban.

Initially, horsemen and racetrack veterinarian practitioners were encouraged following a town hall meeting, arranged by the KHRC, in which 16 of the 17 speakers expressed their opinions in favor of the continued use of Lasix on race day. The vast amount of research available indicates that Lasix is a safe and effective medication to prevent the onset of bleeding. However, at the next meeting, a slim majority of the KHRC commissioners decided to support the Lasix ban.

Dr. Andy Roberts, a renowned racetrack practitioner, and I appeared before the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee. We expressed our concern with the decision of the KHRC, which will make Kentucky an island since other jurisdictions will not soon follow in their decision to ban Lasix. Eventually, we will lose horses and horsemen to other states that allow the use of Lasix to prevent bleeding in horses.

Next, KHBPA Executive Director Marty Maline and I discussed the issue with Senate President David Williams. He suggested that the Kentucky Senate would, most likely, find it difficult to support a regulation proposing to ban Lasix.

We plan to follow up with visits to the leadership of the House of Representatives and members of the legislature in an effort to maintain raceday Lasix.

At this writing, the KHRC has not yet filed the regulation necessary to ban race-day Lasix.

Once again, I am planning to run for public office in Kentucky. I have filed to run for the House of Representatives for the 33rd District. It is an uphill battle against a longtime incumbent, but after a strong showing in my election for the State Senate, political insiders suggested I should give it another try.

Congratulations to Marty Maline, longtime executive director of the KHBPA. He was recently honored by the National HBPA with the Industry Service Award. It is great to see the “old man” receive recognition for his dedication and hard work.

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laSix bEnEFitS hoRSES; ban woUlD DamaGE KEntUcKY RacinG

By Dale Romans As I write this, I’m learning to adjust to life in New York. I live in a flat about the size of the living room of my home in Kentucky.

Oh sure, I am fortunate and thankful for the success I have achieved in my chosen profession as a Thoroughbred horse trainer. At the same time, I miss my family.

I believed Gov. Steve Beshear’s promise while he campaigned that he would deliver on his plan to save Kentucky’s signature industry with legislation that would legalize gaming in Kentucky. I encouraged friends, family and my associates in the racing industry to support him in his quest to serve a second term.

Based on his assurances, my horse training operation in Kentucky was expanded and a training center was purchased in Oldham County in order to prepare young horses I purchased at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales companies. I employ many fellow Kentuckians at both of my farms along with my continued training operation, but to a lesser degree, at Churchill Downs.

Without competitive purses, we continue to lose horses and horsemen to other states, including New York and adjoining states to Kentucky. In addition, the loss of horses results in diminished racing schedules, forcing many of us to leave the state with some of our most promising equine athletes.

While I still support Kentucky racing and remain near the top of the trainer standings, it seems a bit hollow since I cannot share the success with my family, clients and friends.

Now, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) appears poised to put the final nail in the coffin of what once was considered the “Horse Capital of the World.”

By a slim majority, the KHRC voted to ban the beneficial therapeutic medication Lasix on our finest Thoroughbreds. In so doing, they will end racing for all intents and purposes in Kentucky. This action will result in an overwhelming exodus of our Thoroughbred industry to other states, including Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.

The initiative, orchestrated by The Jockey Club, has ignored the science that has proven Lasix to be effective in treating episodes of bleeding in racehorses.

In fact, even an unbiased South African study commissioned by The Jockey Club proved that Lasix is the most effective treatment for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.

The Jockey Club’s reasoning is suspect and the argument that racing has a perception problem has been debunked by Ed Martin, president of the Racing Commissioners International, when he reported: “With few exceptions, racehorses tested for drugs are found to be clean, a fact that undermines the credibility of those who peddle the perception that racing has an out-of-control drug problem.”

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Tom Conway, KHRC Commissioner, graciously accepted the invitation to appear on the National HBPA medication panel at the meeting in Iowa. Tom is a strong advocate for the continued use of Lasix on race day. He and Maggi Moss, who also appeared on the panel, provided tremendous insight from a horse owner’s perspective. Tom received a check from the National HBPA to assist in covering his travel expenses. He returned the check and requested that it should be used for a worthy purpose. We suggested that it be donated to the National HBPA Foundation’s emergency assistance fund to provide help for horsemen who suffer some catastrophe.

Good luck in your racing endeavors, Rick Hiles

Churchill Downs Chairman Bob Evans and Vice President Kevin Flannery have issued this warning: “If Kentucky is an island and no one else implements the Lasix ban, it could prove detrimental to the future of racing in Kentucky.”

The science, the data and the testimony of the very experts and professionals we would normally respect, listen to and follow substantiates that Lasix on race day benefits the horse by controlling the bleeding occurrences.

These facts have not been refuted. However, they have been ignored.

The Jockey Club, through misinformation and confusion, has equated bad drugs to the beneficial and therapeutic properties of race-day Lasix.

Now the battle will be waged in the Kentucky Legislature. We will provide House and Senate members with the science and information they will need to make a reasonable and educated decision regarding the continued use of Lasix on race day. It is the right thing to do for the health and welfare of our equine athletes and for the future of the Kentucky racing industry.

ElliS paRK tRainER JoE cain FiGhtinG loU GEhRiG’S DiSEaSE

By Marty McGee, Daily Racing Form

Trainer Joe Cain, a mainstay on the Kentucky circuit, is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. For years, Cain has operated out of his farm in the faraway town of Russell Springs in the south-central part of Kentucky, driving tens of thousands of miles each year to run his horses at Ellis Park, Turfway Park and other tracks. Before the races on opening day, July 4, about 50 friends and colleagues hosted Cain in the Ellis track kitchen, giving him a warm reception and a plaque honoring his tenure in racing. Cain also was honored with a blanket presentation following the second race of the meet.

“It was all pretty touching,” said owner Mike Bruder, who organized the events as director of the local Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective chapter. Some $2,000 was raised on Cain’s behalf.

ALS is an incurable, degenerative, fatal disease that affects the nerve and spinal cord. Cain, 55, is not yet wheelchair-bound and is trying to keep the stable going in tandem with his wife, Peggy, but clearly his life is becoming more difficult with each passing day.

Cain began his training career in 1991 and has won nearly 500 races for stable earnings of $6.7 million. His best horse was the sprinter Private Horde, a five-length winner of the Grade II Vanderbilt at Saratoga in 2003.

Donations to help offset Cain’s medical expenses can be sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Attention: Peter Donofrio, MD; Dept. of Neurology, VUMC; A0118MCN; Nashville, Tenn., 37232. lEttER FRom RicK hilES, canDiDatE FoR hoUSE oF REpRESEntatiVES 33RD DiStRict Dear Fellow Kentuckians, Perhaps you have heard the news that I am running for the House of Representatives 33rd District of Kentucky. Now that the Kentucky primary is over, my campaign is in full swing. Already I have attended several functions giving www.nationalhbpa.com

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me the opportunity to listen and discuss with citizens of Kentucky their concerns about the direction that Kentucky is heading.

We all share a common goal that constructive change is imperative, and it starts with legislative leaders who fail to address the needs of not only their districts but the entire state. The lack of effectiveness was patently obvious to those of us employed in the racing industry as we struggled to pass legislation necessary to assure the continued existence of Kentucky’s signature industry.

Unfortunately, it does not end there; education and employment continue to languish, and still nothing is done.

We do not need more of the same in which certain members of the legislature, including my opponent, blindly follow without questions the purpose or reasoning behind decisions that adversely impact the people of Kentucky.

For several years, I have served as the president of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA), one of the largest trade associations representing Thoroughbred horsemen in the United States.

In addition, I am the vice chairman of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund (KRH&WF), providing medical benefits for needy horsemen and backstretch workers. Also, I have operated a small business of training and developing racehorses to compete on the very difficult Kentucky circuit. It is this experience that uniquely qualifies me to understand the needs of small businesses struggling to exist in a depressed economy.

Let me take this opportunity to enlist your support as I begin the process of introducing myself to not only the voters of the 33rd District but to the citizens of Kentucky. A contribution to my campaign will provide me with the funding I need to establish a firm foundation in order to win the election this fall.

Please mail your generous contribution to: Rick Hiles for House of Representatives, 10211 Timberwood Circle, Louisville, KY 40223.

We are in this together; all of us who feel that the status quo is simply not acceptable. Please join me in making a strong change for the benefit of our great state.

Sincerely, Rick Hiles

DREam act UpDatE A Demographic Profile of Immigrants Who Might Benefit from the Administration’s Deferred Action Initiative The DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act officially known as Deferred Action was announced by President Barack Obama on June 15, 2012.

A new analysis casts some much-needed light on the question of exactly who might be eligible for the Obama administration’s Deferred Action initiative for unauthorized youth who were brought to this country as children. Officially known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the initiative, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 15, offers a two-year, renewable reprieve from deportation to unauthorized immigrants who (1) are under the age of 31; (2) entered the United States before age 16; (3) have lived continuously in the country for at least five years; (4) have not been convicted of a felony, a “significant” misdemeanor or three other misdemeanors; and (5) are currently in school, graduated from high school, earned a GED or served in the military. Immigrants who meet these criteria are commonly referred to as DREAMers because they comprise most (though not all) of the individuals who meet the general requirements of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. Those who meet the requirements would be given a two-year work authorization card along with a social security number. The work authorization card may be renewable after two years as long as applicants meet certain criteria.

Most DREAMers are 15 or older and are therefore eligible to apply for Deferred Action right now. However, there are also large numbers who are 14 or younger and not yet eligible to apply, but who will be eligible at some point in the future if the Deferred Action initiative remains in place. These sorts of demographic details are important as the federal government geared up to implement the Deferred Action initiative on August 15, 2012.

We urge our members to please let your workers and their families know about this opportunity that might benefit them greatly, and please have them contact Julio Rubio at (502) 645-7215 or Horseman Labor Solutions at (877) 304-2525 for further assistance. thE hbpa iS YoU The HBPA, established in 1940, is an organization of owners and trainers numbering approximately 30,000 nationally in 23 states and Canada and more than 6,000 in Kentucky. The association is governed by a board of directors consisting of owners and trainers volunteering their time and elected by the membership every three years. The HBPA is committed to working for the betterment of racing on all levels.

The HBPA represents owners and trainers on several fronts: • The HBPA is present in negotiating sessions with each racetrack regarding purse structure, equitable share of simulcast revenues, overall track safety, sanitation and security.

• The HBPA provides benevolence to horsemen in need, education and recreation programs to the backstretch, various insurance packages that include—free of charge to members—fire and disaster insurance and claiming coverage. Visit one of the fully staffed HBPA offices at the currently running racetrack in Kentucky for details.

• The HBPA works in conjunction with the chaplaincy program and the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund to provide support and benefits for horsemen.

• The HBPA supports scientific research and marketing initiatives on a regional and national level to help promote interest in Thoroughbred racing.

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legislation, but efforts continue to gain his support and save an industry with a 79-year history as a positive contributor to state’s economy. Another significant challenge comes from Michigan’s more than 24 casinos, which have efforts that may cause Michigan pari-mutuel horse racing to become a thing of the past.

The Michigan Sire Stakes will be run on September 30, 2012, offering six races with estimated purses of $50,000. The six races offered will include opportunities for 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds and up. The Sire Stakes offers an opportunity for Michigan stallion owners to showcase their stallions.

For official notices and information from the MI HBPA, go to www.mihbpa.com.

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As this is written, the 2012 racing season’s end is fast approaching with only eight race days remaining. Every year it seems as though the new season will never get here, especially with Michigan’s weather. During the past several years, the off-season has presented many challenges for plans for the following year. This off-season will be no different, as the Michigan HBPA board faces declining purse revenue, race dates, legislation and a 2013 contract.

The entire industry has agreed on legislation to amend the 1995 Racing Act and that will breathe life into the industry and offer Michigan tracks an opportunity to increase their ability to compete within the gaming industry. A vigorous grassroots effort has gained significant support in both chambers, as many legislators understand the important impact that horse racing has on the state’s agriculture economy and the thousands of jobs at stake. Many counties are the home of family racing operations and have a tremendous impact on the local economy. Governor Snyder has not clearly indicated his position on the

thE bESt FoR EVERYonE Coady Photography

Denis Blake

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• The HBPA is at the forefront in litigation and legislation on issues involving horsemen’s rights in regard to interstate simulcasting, proprietary rights, casino gambling, therapeutic medication, sports betting and many other areas of concern to horsemen.

How can I join? You are invited to drop into the HBPA office to meet the staff and learn more about current projects and how you can get involved in helping to improve the industry. There are no membership fees. Remember, this is your organization. Become an active participant and one of the horsemen helping horsemen. To join, all you need to do is fill out our membership card and fax, mail or e-mail it back to us. For more information, please visit our website at www.kyhbpa.org and click on “How to Join.”

Crowds pack the stands on Extreme Race Day Maybe it’s because of the new agreement at Canterbury Park or maybe it’s because of good management, but the attendance at Canterbury has gone up and the horsemen seem to be smiling more these days. The agreement that has everyone talking is a partnership between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Canterbury Park (CP). This historic agreement will pour about $80 million to the purse fund for horsemen over the next 10 years, which means incremental increases in purses of 30 to 40 percent!

In agreeing to put an end to the racino battle, Randy Sampson, president and CEO of CP, and SMSC Chairman Stanley Crooks had the foresight to see that by working together they could help each other. We’re so glad these two parties decided to negotiate and would like to applaud them for making an agreement that focuses on benefiting the horse industry. This agreement should make others sit up and take notice!

Canterbury Park has an excellent reputation for providing the best racetrack excitement and typically attracts large race day crowds due to the abundance and caliber of amenities for fans. It is not uncommon to see Thursday and Friday night crowds exceeding 8,000 and special event days drawing up to 20,000. This agreement brings stability to and will revitalize the horse racing and breeding in Minnesota for years to come and will certainly give trainers another excellent option for summer racing. Come to Canterbury Park!

GRoom ElitE 101 The Groom Elite graduating class of 2012 had 17 students who successfully completed the class and received differing levels of Certified Groom status. National Groom Elite piloted these differing levels this year so trainers can better know the skills of their grooms, how to help grooms develop and how www.nationalhbpa.com

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to get the best care for their horses. Some of the students were existing grooms, some wanted to be grooms and some were working with retired racehorse projects in the area. It was a great class, and we’re so proud of them. mn Rtca whitE hoRSE EVEnt The first White Horse event hosted by the MN RTCA (Race Track Chaplaincy of America) was held August 14. Thanks to the sponsorship of several horsemen, this event was free to people on the backside. Pat Day was the invited guest speaker and country gospel singer Suzie McEntire gave two concerts, one following a sweet corn and pizza feed for the backside and an evening performance for sponsors and invited guests. Chaplain Ed is looking forward to expanding White Horse events in the future. anothER YEaR oF DEntal clinic SUccESS Another successful year of our dental clinic is in progress thanks to the generous support of our dentists, Dr. Dana Isaacson and Dr. Gene Kelley, with surgical support from Dr. Mohamed El Deeb. Our dentists have given their time and talents to improve the dental health of our horsemen and their families. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity.

FUn FoR thE KiDS We were very fortunate to have a gracious anonymous donor who sponsored some adventurous field trips for the kids on the backside. The kids had a fantastic time at Valleyfair amusement park, the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

FacEbooK Join the MN HBPA Facebook page by searching “MN HBPA.” Like us to keep up with the latest from our office. mouNTaiNeer hBPa

encouraged to attend to receive an update on key issues facing the racing community at Mountaineer.

The Mountaineer HBPA hosted their annual picnic at Tomlinson Run State Park on August 15. Members and their families enjoyed swimming, games and a wonderful meal prepared by Donna’s Kitchen.

The HBPA has been working to ensure that the West Virginia Racing Commission hears the concerns of our members on their proposed rule changes.

Our members signed petitions and e-mailed individual comments.

Last October, owners, trainers, employees and jockeys at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort raised more than $5,000 as part of the Races for Wishes event benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern West Virginia, and 8-year-old Abigail Gilman was the recipient of that wish! Abigail and her family attended a party at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in the Clubhouse on Friday, June 22, and received her itinerary for her trip to California to meet a Disney celebrity. In addition, she visited the winner’s circle and presented the trophy to winning owner and trainer Gary Welsh and jockey Luis Rivera. She also received a beautiful trophy of a racehorse, a program signed by all of the jockeys in the race and a pair of jockey goggles.

The Mountaineer Chaplaincy is pleased to announce that Chuck Bailey Jr. has taken on the role of president while Pete Arner has accepted the role of vice president. Under this new leadership, the Chaplaincy has plans to increase awareness through a website and Facebook. They are exploring new fundraising opportunities so that they can increase their outreach ministries to possibly include English as a second language, computer classes and adding a Catholic mass.

The West Virginia Racing Commission Retirement Plan for Backstretch Workers is being reviewed by the West Virginia Racing Commission. Please call the office with any question on the status of your benefits.

Note: We are constantly updating our address database for current members. If you have had an address change in the last year, please notify the HBPA office.

New eNglaNd hBPa

Abigail Gilman makes the trophy presentation as part of the Races for Wishes event at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort The Mountaineer Park HBPA will host its annual general meeting on Saturday, October 20, at 11 a.m. in the track kitchen. All members are 58

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cURREnt lEGiSlation, nEw contRact?

The HPBA contract negotiations committee has already had discussions with Suffolk Downs officials regarding a 2013 contract, and some interesting ideas have been put on the table.

We believe our horsemen want more race dates with more opportunities to win purse money but not at the expense of the purse structure that we now have. Suffolk Downs, on the other hand, is very aware that 2013 could bring the elusive casino license and the need to begin expansion renovations.

The current simulcast legislation in Massachusetts still requires 100 days of live racing, so we are within our rights to bargain for a 100-day meet.

However, at our current purse earnings of approximately $8.25 million, we would be offering an average of $82,500 per day versus the current $103,000 per day.

Can we possibly get more race days without a cut in daily purses? The answer may well lie in that part of the new expanded gaming legislation that requires the payment of a licensing fee of $86 million per casino and $25 million for the lone slot parlor to the state. Five percent of that fee total is reserved as a one-time payment to the Race Horse Development Fund, which will provide purse money for both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks in Massachusetts. Insofar as that money is payable when the license is granted, it is very possible a portion of it would be available in 2013.

The HBPA and Suffolk are exploring the possibility of a contract that calls for an 80-day meet for 2013 with five full days of racing added if our portion

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pat DaY ViSitS SUFFolK On Thursday, July 26, Chaplain Lee Alpin hosted another successful endof-the-month barbecue on the grandstand apron. For the second time in three years, we were blessed with the presence of Hall of Fame rider Pat Day as he continued his devoted work for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. As always, Pat was very generous with his time and friendship, posing for pictures, signing autographs and renewing old acquaintances. The food was delicious, the company was great and a good time was had by all.

DaY at thE RacES The New England Sports Horse Association, in conjunction with CANTER of New England, sponsored a Day at the Races on July 28 that afforded attendees an opportunity to watch horses in training, learn the mechanics and value of CANTER, listen to and question a wide range of industry professionals and enjoy a tempting buffet in the Topsider Room atop the Suffolk grandstand. on thE bacKStREtch A return of last year’s karaoke and pizza night at the track kitchen on June 30 was a big hit—lots of people, lots of fun and lots of talent. The occasion was sponsored by the NEHBPA and kitchen managers Kim and Bobby Kelly. bacKStREtch hEalth caRE The Eighth Pole backstretch program has been extremely busy this meet with the doctors seeing an average of 18 to 20 patients in the all-day Monday clinic and an average of 10 or more at the Friday morning clinic. On Thursday, typically a dozen or more take advantage of the free dental services. thE SYStEm woRKS For a period of time recently, President Anthony Spadea needed to step aside for personal reasons and hand over leadership of the NEHPBA to Vice President Bernie Bramante. Bernie was busy as he chaired two board meetings, conducted a general horsemen’s meeting at the track kitchen and initiated 2013 contract talks with Suffolk. A job well done, Mr. Vice President. ohio hBPa caSino bill paSSED Substitute HB386 was signed into law by Governor Kasich on June 11.

The bill, which mainly deals with provisions regarding Ohio’s four standalone casinos, also contained several provisions that are very important to the future of Thoroughbred racing in Ohio.

One key provision of the bill provides that the Ohio State Racing Commission has the ability to set the percentage of the gross gaming revenue that horsemen will receive from the operation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Ohio’s Thoroughbred tracks. The percentage is set in the bill at a minimum of 9% and a maximum of 11% of the gross gaming revenue from each track if there is not an agreement on revenue sharing reached between the HBPA and the track owner.

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of the slot parlor fee becomes available or adding 10 full days of racing should a casino licensing fee come into play. To deal with the issue of when we would add extra days, the parties are considering moving our opening day back a bit into May to give us some flexibility.

Keep in mind that these issues are being discussed as both parties work toward a quality meet in 2013. Stay tuned.

Another provision in the bill that is vital for the horsemen of Ohio sets minimum racing dates in the state once VLTs are established at a track. The bill establishes a formula for minimum racing dates per track each year based upon certain VLT revenue targets; however, according to the language in the bill the number can be no lower than the number raced at the track in 2012 once VLTs are established at a track. The penalty for not racing the minimum number of dates would be the loss of the track’s racing permit, which is required for a track to operate VLTs. lawSUit DiSmiSSED In late May, Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Tim Horton dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Roundtable challenging, amongst other things, the constitutionality of VLTs being placed at Ohio’s seven racetracks.

Horton ruled that none of the plaintiffs in the case had standing to bring the suit. In late June, the Ohio Roundtable filed notice with the court that they are appealing the decision. lottERY applicationS FilED Pinnacle Gaming Inc., which owns River Downs, and Penn National Gaming Inc., which owns Beulah Park, have both filed applications with the Ohio Lottery Commission to operate VLTs at their tracks. The tracks will be required to pay a $50-million licensing fee to the commission to operate the machines.

Rock Ohio Caesars is in the process of gaining approval of their ownership of Thistledown from the Ohio State Racing Commission, after which they are also expected to file an application to operate VLTs with the Ohio Lottery Commission.

Vlt FacilitY planS As of the August submission deadline for this issue, here is what the Ohio HBPA knows in regard to the timing of the opening of VLT facilities at each of our tracks.

River Downs plans to open a temporary facility to house VLTs, which will be a separate building from the current grandstand, at some point during the first or second quarter of 2013.

Thistledown plans to open a temporary facility to house VLTs inside of the current grandstand facility at the track in the spring of 2013.

Penn National Gaming Inc. plans to build a new racing and VLT facility in Austintown, which would open late in 2014. Penn National does not plan to place VLTs at Beulah Park.

According to rules promulgated by the Ohio State Racing Commission, temporary VLT facilities can be built for a minimum of $5 million, exclusive of the cost of the VLTs. Ultimately, each track will be required to spend a minimum of $150 million, including the cost of the VLTs, on a permanent VLT facility with a maximum credit of $25 million being given for the existing facility. oklahoma hBPa (ThoroughBred raciNg associaTioN of oklahoma) nEw maGaZinE FoR tRao mEmbERS, nEw SalE at hERitaGE placE The Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) is pleased to announce two very exciting pieces of news that will further continue the growth of our industry in Oklahoma. The TRAO and the Texas Thoroughbred Association have partnered with Denis Blake to create a magazine for the Thoroughbred industry spotlighting the Oklahoma-Texas region. Southern Racehorse will debut www.nationalhbpa.com

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in two ways. The electronic online version will be available by the end of August, and the hardcopy magazine will be available at the end of September. The magazine will be available at no charge to all TRAO members and will be published on a bi-monthly basis. Please visit the website at www.southernracehorse.com.

Additionally, the famed horse sale company in Oklahoma City, Heritage Place, will offer its inaugural Thoroughbred-only sale on December 8, 2012. The sale will be held in conjunction with a general TRAO membership meeting. The sale will include yearlings, breeding stock and horses of racing age. Information will be forthcoming at www.heriatgeplace.com and www.traoracing.com.

hBPa of oNTario

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EVEntS in 2012 • Sunday, September 9 - HBPA Day at the Races – Woodbine Racetrack • Sunday, September 23 - Annual General Meeting at 10 a.m. – Munnings Room, Woodbine Racetrack • Sunday, September 23 - Owners Appreciation Day at 12 p.m. – Trackside Tent at Woodbine Racetrack (Please call to order tickets to Owners Appreciation Day - limit of 2. Owner’s License required upon entry) • Sunday, October 14 - HBPA Day at the Races – Fort Erie Race Track • Saturday, November 10 - Backstretch Appreciation Day – Woodbine Racetrack Denis Blake

pRESiDEnt’S mESSaGE, aUGUSt 2012 Dear Members, Since the Ontario government’s announcement regarding the termination of the Slots At Racetracks (SAR) Program, I have been in personal contact with many of our members and would like to thank those whom I have spoken with for expressing your views and for your support during these challenging times.

For the past three months, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has had a task force in place, advised by Stanley Sadinsky, that studied the industry’s future and created a plan for horse racing and breeding in Ontario. The OHRIA Task Force gave in-depth consideration to the needs of all stakeholders. It should be recognized that the plan is not the final picture for Ontario. The plan is a roadmap for how the industry, in partnership with government, will chart its own course into the future.

The OHRIA Plan asks the government for a $210-million development fund that would allow Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses to continue to race but with fewer days. The plan includes 167 days of Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine Racetrack and allows for all racetracks, including Fort Erie Race Track, to apply to the fund to operate live racing. Consolidation of the industry and dates was a prerequisite of any sort of government participation.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has established gaming zones in the province as part of their modernization plan for gaming. Fort Erie Race Track was not included in any of the 29 gaming zones established by the OLG. The HBPA of Ontario has written a letter to Rod Phillips, president and CEO of the OLG, requesting that Fort Erie be added to a gaming zone in South Western Ontario. This would allow the track to participate in new forms of gaming, such as a card room, sports book and a bingo hall, even if slots at Fort Erie Race Track are not part of the government’s modernization plan in the future.

In late July, the board of OHRIA approved and submitted the task force’s plan to the OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) panel, which was put in place by the provincial government to study the transition funding for the racing and breeding industry in Ontario.

We recently met with Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak to pressure him for help to save Fort Erie Race Track and horse racing in Ontario.

Once again, we ask all HBPA of Ontario members for their continued support during what has proven to be the most difficult time in our sport’s history.

We wish to reassure HBPA of Ontario members and their thousands of employees that the HBPA will continue to lobby to protect the horse racing and breeding industry in this province.

We must impress upon you to please continue to send your personal letters to your local MPPs and to meet with them in their ridings to make sure they understand the value of horse racing in Ontario.

On another matter of great importance to owners, the Supreme Court of Canada has now released its decision in the case of The Queen v. John Craig concerning section 31 of the Income Tax Act. Section 31 limits the ability of taxpayers to deduct farming losses against other income. Section 31 does not apply to a taxpayer whose chief source of income is farming or a combination of farming and another source. Mr. Craig won his case.

Prior to this decision, the applicable Supreme Court of Canada ruling in the 1978 case of Moldowan was that section 31 would limit a taxpayer when farming was subordinate to the taxpayer’s other sources of income. In its decision, the Supreme Court of Canada stated that this was not a correct interpretation of the law. Rather, the Court states that section 31 will not apply to a taxpayer when the farming activity of the taxpayer is a business and not a personal endeavour and when the taxpayer places significant emphasis on his or her farming business. While a definition of “significant emphasis” is not provided, the Court states that one looks at the factors of the capital invested, the income generated, the time spent and the taxpayer’s ordinary mode of living, farming history and future intentions and expectations to determine whether a sufficiently significant emphasis is placed on farming so as to be outside section 31.

Whether section 31 applies to you will depend on your particular circumstances. If you believe that this case is relevant to your tax position, you should consult your own tax advisor.

Sue Leslie, President

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ElEction FoR pa hbpa boaRD oF DiREctoRS The 2012 election for the president and board of directors will take place this fall with the ballot count taking place on Monday, November 12. The newly elected board of directors will take office the following Monday. Please contact the PA HBPA office with your current correct address to ensure proper delivery of the ballot for your vote.

The auditing firm of Boyer & Ritter will conduct the ballot count and oversee all aspects of the 2012 election. pEnnSYlVania StatE bUDGEt paSSaGE The Pennsylvania state budget for fiscal year 2012-2013 was signed into law by Governor Tom Corbett on June 30, 2012. The budget included a provision in the fiscal code that removed $5 million from the Race Horse Development Fund with $3 million for the Farm Show and $2 million for Pennsylvania Fairs.

The approximate damage to the purse accounts at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and Presque Isle Downs will be $850,000 and $500,000, respectively. The governor had originally proposed to take $72 million from the Fund to subsidize the University of Pennsylvania and agricultural research at Penn State. Combined lobbying efforts by members of the equine coalition paid huge dividends as the equine industry united in opposition to the governor’s proposal, resulting in a substantial reduction from the proposed $72 million.

The PA HBPA thanks the organizations that make up the equine coalition—the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen Association, Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen Association, Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and the Standardbred Breeders—for their participation in a successful mission. pRESqUE iSlE notES July 23 set off the social season at Presque Isle Downs with a picnic held at the French Quarters Pavilion Picnic Grounds. Good food, music and

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games (horseshoes, volleyball and football toss) set the tone for a great day outdoors. The weather was ideal, and a great time was had by all. More than 200 members and racetrack personnel attended, making it the most successful picnic yet.

The July Best Barn Award for neatness and overall appearance went to Gerald Bennett with four trainers receiving runner-up prizes. Tim Girten received the award in May. The annual HBPA golf tournament was held at Whispering Woods Golf Course in nearby McKean. Fourteen teams of four players each vied for the top prize in the event. First prize went to Norm Wismer, Joe Duckett, Rob Barbato and Al Simmer with a sizzling score of 58. A resounding thank you goes out to the horsemen and sponsors who contributed $5,800 to the PA HBPA PAC Fund.

The final social event of the season was the Midsummer Horsemen’s Ball on August 26. It was held at the beautiful and historic Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs. Cocktails began at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. and music and dancing following at 8:30 p.m. It was billed as the social event of the season and benefitted the PA HBPA PAC Fund.

TamPa Bay dowNs hPBa The election of the board of directors, held in April 2012, resulted in the following members being elected or re-elected to a three-year term: President: Robert Jeffries Vice President: Gregg Griffith Directors: Kathy Guciardo, Wynn Jolley, Michael Murray, Walter Nazarenko, Bernell Rhone, Victor Scodius, Saronda Smith, Judson VanWorp and Sharyn Wasiluk Our HBPA will host the National HBPA Winter Convention in February 2013. The Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, Florida, was chosen as the convention location. Clearwater Beach, known worldwide for its pristine whitesand beaches, fine dining and temperate weather, will be a welcome break from winter for those attending.

Many thanks to the Iowa HBPA for being the gracious host of the National Denis Blake

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HBPA Summer Convention this past July.

On a sad note, two long-time fixtures at Tampa Bay Downs passed away this spring. Much-loved Roz Randall, association veterinarian at TBD for the last 30 years, died on May 23 after a long illness, and owner and former HBPA board member Bill Myers died suddenly on June 5. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and both will be missed.

Our office at the track will remain closed until the backside opens in November, but you can still reach us via e-mail at tampabayhbpa@aol.com. See you soon! virgiNia hBPa colonial DownS mEEt EnDS on poSitiVE notE Colonial Downs, Virginia’s only pari-mutuel track, ended its 15th season on July 28 with an uptick in both attendance and on-track handle during the eight-week meet. Average daily attendance of 2,008 was up 6% over last year.

On-track average daily handle was up 19%. However, all sources average daily handle of $629,643 was down 25% from 2011. That was caused by a drop of more than 30% in wagering on Colonial’s simulcast signal.

The track’s shift to a later post time, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., turned out to be a mixed blessing. It probably was responsible in part for decreased simulcast handle. The last race of the day did not go off until almost 11 p.m., when a lot of folks not at the track may have been thinking about bed rather than betting.

On the other hand, the later post time helped increase Colonial’s attendance and live handle by making it more convenient to go to the track after work.

Purses also registered a slight increase over last year. This year’s daily average of $200,794 compared favorably with 2011’s $197,390 average.

Overnight races averaged $15,088 per race compared with last year’s $14,783.

The state breeders’ fund helped boost purses by paying a 100% bonus through fifth-place for Virginia-breds running in all non-stakes open races. For example, a maiden special weight $23,000 purse turned into a $46,000 purse for Virginia-breds in that race.

Average field size dropped slightly from 8.8 to 8.4 horses per race. Turf racing, however, saw a big jump in the number of contests on the grass. This summer, 95% of all races were on Colonial’s huge 160-foot-wide turf course.

Two factors made that possible. To save the grass from wear and tear, the rail was moved every week so horses were running in different paths. Also, lights were installed on the turf course, allowing all races to be run on the grass instead of just the first seven, as was the case with the old 5 p.m. post prior to the installation of lights.

Overall, the horsemen were pleased with the meet. The challenge going forward is to keep our summer turf racing niche in the Mid-Atlantic and to maintain our purse structure without the assistance of slot machine subsidies enjoyed by our neighbors in West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. washiNgToN hBPa GREEtinGS FRom waShinGton!

The 2013-2015 Washington HBPA board was elected by nomination at our nominating and general meeting on July 11. We returned our president, Ron Maus, and all the owner-directors, Jack Fabulich, Karla Laird, Pat LePley, Sue Spooner and Keith Swagerty, filled a slate of trainer-directors with returning directors Robbie Baze, Diane Garrison and Terry Gillihan and added two new trainer-directors in Margo Lloyd and Greg Moore.

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fulfilled their three-year term at the end of our racing season and decided to not stand for re-election, but Frank will serve as an alternate for the coming term.

We thank Blaine and Frank for their service over the last three years and congratulate Margo and Greg on joining an excellent continuing board of concerned members of our community.

This is an interesting and challenging time in racing, as polarization has taken place and will seemingly be increasing with respect to the growing debate over race-day medication, which can be summarized in one word—Lasix. A small number of financially well-off people who influence the Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club and TOBA have taken the position that the sport will be much better off without race-day medication. To those who favor elimination of Lasix, it is a matter of improving public perception, improving breeding customers’ perception of American bloodstock or as-yet-unproven health concerns about Lasix. (I say as-yet-unproven as there are no known negative effects of Lasix use, but there are those who claim that some maladies must result from its use.)

As for the National HBPA and the Washington HBPA, we believe that the actually proven science demonstrates that the health and welfare of both horse and rider are enhanced by Lasix’s proven ability to reduce the risk or severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or EIPH. The Washington board of the HBPA was pleased to support the efforts of the National HBPA to take a stand for maintaining the health and safety of horse and rider.

In Washington, we now move into the home stretch of the racing season, with the season concluding in late September. We wish each of you the very best of racing in 2012 and beyond.

Ron Maus, President 2012 GEnERal anD nominatinG mEEtinGS, boaRD ElEctED bY nomination The nominating meeting for the 2012 WHBPA election was held in conjunction with the WHBPA annual membership meeting on July 11. Slightly fewer than 50 owners, trainers and guests attended the event in the Morris Aldhadeff Sales Pavilion at Emerald Downs.

After a review of the election process and eligibility requirements for candidates, Nominating Committee Chair Blaine Wright announced the committee’s nominees and then requested nominations from the floor. Soon it became apparent by the limited number of possible candidates that there may not be a need for the election, which was scheduled for October 9. Board member Pat LePley reviewed the bylaw’s procedure for election by nomination in the event that the number of eligible candidates was less than or equal to the number of board positions available, i.e., if all candidates were running unopposed. Upon receipt of candidate affidavits, the lack of need for an election was confirmed. In accordance with the WHBPA bylaws, the 2013-2015 board of directors will begin their term of service one week after the original election date of October 16, 2012.

During the general meeting, President Ron Maus shared information from the National HBPA Summer Convention regarding current issues in Thoroughbred racing, and Executive Director MaryAnn O’Connell reported on the WHRC’s improvements to post-race testing protocols and proposed workers’ compensation amendments. James Casey, DVM, gave an informative PowerPoint presentation entitled “Use of Furosemide (Lasix/Salix) for Prevention and Management of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) in Horses” that was also shared with the membership.

Emerald Downs President Ron Crockett concluded the evening with positive comments regarding the state of the Washington racing industry. He reported that the recent 5% purse increase was a result of handle exceeding initial projections for the 2012 live meet.

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chanGES contEmplatED FoR inDUStRial inSURancE FoR 2013 The Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC), Washington Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (WHBPA) and Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) have been working on a new proposal to calculate and assess industrial insurance premiums for 2013. The proposed plan has a number of new changes that are hoped to eliminate the perception that Washington has the highest license fees in the country. Premiums would no longer be assessed annually. A month-by-month pay-as-you-go system with premiums based per horse and per groom would be implemented. Further premiums for horse racing industry workers at the farms or out-of-state tracks would be assessed differently than for those with employees working at a Washington racetrack.

Proposed changes are in response to horsemen’s suggestions that a more equitable risk-based system be implemented.

Upon analysis of data, it was revealed that the inequity of premiums based on an annual fee was creating a hardship for trainers whose stables fluctuated in size or who did not race in Washington during the entire race meet. In fact, the annual premium method may keep new trainers from coming to Washington and has said to be causing current trainers to contemplate shifting their stables to other jurisdictions.

Creating premiums that were risk-based would also allow stables to hire workers on an as-needed basis because they no longer would have to pay an annual premium for an employee that only worked a couple of months. The new plan also makes provisions for a new license type, “paddock attendant,” for trainers who don’t hire a full-time groom but need added help on race day.

“The changes are a work in progress,” reported MaryAnn O’Connell, WHBPA executive director. “The WHBPA, WHRC and L&I have been cooperatively working together over the last several months to come up with a plan that is risk-based, affordable and enforceable. After that, appropriate rules and legislation will be drafted, and L&I said they would announce premium rates for all risk classes sometime in September.”

More information can be obtained via the Washington Horse Racing Commission website at www.whrc.wa.gov or by contacting the WHBPA or WHRC offices. whbpa/wtboa hoSt inSpiRinG ViSitoRS at EmERalD DownS August 5 was an exciting day at the races. Not only was it a remarkable 86 degrees in what has been a cool summer and a solid card of races with some amazing finishes, it was also a day dedicated to some remarkable people who have overcome great difficulties with the help of non-profit associations, including the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation.

One such person making his first visit to Emerald Downs was Samuel Sesay from Sierre Leone, Africa. Not only did Samuel experience his first horse race, but it was the first time he had seen and touched a horse of any kind. The fifth race of the day was “Samuel’s Race,” and the celebrative atmosphere in the paddock and winner’s circle exemplified the welcoming spirit of Emerald Downs’ horsemen and management.

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2013-2015 boaRD oF DiREctoRS President Ron Maus Owner Directors Trainer Directors Jack Faublich Robbie Baze Karla Laird Diane Garrison Pat LePley Terry Gillihan Sue Spooner Margo Lloyd Keith Swagerty Greg Moore Frank Lucarelli (Alternate) Honorary Lifetime Director: Murdock MacPherson

Local volunteers with the charity The Bridge of Hope met 12-year-old orphan Samuel Sesay on one of their first trips to Africa about six years ago.

Samuel came to a Bridge medical clinic hoping to get help for a disease that causes tumors on his face. After team members vowed to find a way to help him, he was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, the same disease as the elephant man.

Hospitals in his own country were not able to help him, but a team member heard about Mercy Ship’s plans to be Samuel Sesay from Sierre Leone poses in the Emerald in Sierra Leone in Downs paddock with jockey Jose Zunino 2011. The Bridge contacted them and worked out a partnership with them, and Samuel was given an appointment for surgery in May 2011. He was aboard the ship for more than two months for the complicated surgery, which included removing fibromas on his face as well as from his left eye and a tumor on his chest. He then returned to the ship in September 2011 for a second surgery to remove additional tumors.

In June, he and his caretaker, Allen, came to Washington to share his story and help raise awareness about Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world.

The Washington Thoroughbred Foundation was founded in 1958. Before the Washington HBPA was established in the early 1970s, the WTF provided benevolence to horsemen in need, offering funding for everything from burial expenses to basic needs such as wood or coal for heating.

Since the opening of Emerald Downs in 1996, the Foundation has played a vital role in the horse racing industry. Besides putting on an annual equine art show and organizing a summer internship program, the Foundation aids a plethora of industry- or horse-related charities. On the 2012 Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Day, representatives from some of the WTF charities were on hand to educate the public on how their organization is helping people in need. On hand also were the recipients of the charitable services, many of whom shared their inspiring stories over the course of the day. Represented charities included: The Race for Education and WSU Veterinary Scholarships Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center and Rainier Therapeutic Riding Backstretch Clubhouse Learning Center The Prodigious Fund to aid in racehorse retirement and retraining Emerald Downs Summer Internship Program Equine Art Show The Foundation Day’s mission was to raise awareness of the Foundation and the many charities it supports. It was also part of an ongoing effort to raise funds to further the work of the Foundation. A lunch buffet and raffle were held to generate funds, but direct donations are most beneficial to the organization and are accepted anytime at the WTBOA offices. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and as such, your gifts are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact the Foundation at (253) 288-7878 or e-mail maindesk@washingtonthoroughbred.com. You can find out more about Samuel and the nonprofit helping him at www.thebridgeofhope.us. www.nationalhbpa.com

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