AFFILIATE NEWS MINNESOTA HBPA Canterbury Meet a Success, Remembering Curtis Sampson In April, if anyone would have said that Canterbury Park’s summer meet would have increased its number of runners per race, paid out purse money similar to last year and had its handle more than double, you could have easily doubted those predictions. Remember, in April, no one knew if Canterbury Park was even going to have a meet, much less a robust one. But the fact is each of the above came true. It was a great team effort put forth by the staffs of Canterbury Park, the Minnesota Racing Commission and the Minnesota HBPA. All three parties worked extremely well together, many times taking on roles and duties not normally ascribed to them. This was a uniquely singular year that won’t soon be forgotten, though we do indeed hope for a return to normalcy next year. Lastly, the 2020 meet will also be remembered for the passing of Canterbury Park Chairman Emeritus Curtis Sampson. Sampson was the definitive goodwill ambassador for Minnesota racing, having saved the sport more than 25 years ago with his son Randy Sampson and business partner Dale Schenian. Since that time, Canterbury Park has become one of a rare breed of racetracks where the focus has always remained on racing and it boasts a strong fan base that has traditionally made it one of the most well-attended racetracks in the country. And, in 2021, it will be great to welcome all of the fans back to Canterbury, just as Curt Sampson always intended.
West Virginia Racing Commission Retirement Plan for Backstretch Workers The sixth amendment to the West Virginia Racing Commission Retirement Program for Backstretch Workers was approved at the August meeting of the West Virginia Racing Commission. After presenting the fifth amendment to members, the administration committee reviewed the wait period to re-enroll after distribution and concluded it would be difficult to administer and potentially unfair to participants. The sixth amendment changes the wait period from three years from the first distribution to three years from when distribution ends. The amendment further allows for participants to be involved in the investment directives for their account as well as the ability to follow their individual accounts online and to electronically file forms for distribution. Trainers and backstretch workers need to enroll in the plan each year to be qualified. The enrollment period takes place in April and May following the plan year. Visit the Mountaineer Park HBPA office for more information or visit us online at mphbpa.com.
Mountaineer Park HBPA Board of Directors Election The nomination meeting for the Mountaineer Park HBPA board of directors election took place on August 10. The nominating committee presented its nominations and received nominations from the floor. The ballots are scheduled to be counted on October 30. Please contact the Mountaineer Park HBPA office at (304) 387-9772 or email bkoski@mphbpa.com to ensure we have your JANA TETRAULT
MOUNTAINEER PARK HBPA
JANA TETRAULT
Backstretch Support The Mountaineer Park HBPA continues to provide support to backstretch workers and their families through our food and clothing pantries. The pantries are open on Friday mornings, and backstretch workers can contact the Mountaineer Park HBPA to access the pantries at any time. The annual back-to-school supplies giveaway was held for children of backstretch workers in August. Students from preschool to college received supplies from crayons to notebooks to help prepare them for the coming THE MOUNTAINEER PARK HBPA CONTINUES TO academic year. HELP BACKSTRETCH FAMILIES WITH SCHOOL
THE FALL COLORS MEAN IT’S TIME FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION WITH BALLOTS DUE OCTOBER 30.
correct address. If you do not receive a ballot, please contact the Mountaineer Park HBPA office.
Mountaineer Park HBPA Medical Trust All medical bills for participants who have completed their applications for the 2020 racing season must be submitted by December 4 for payment or reimbursement to the Mountaineer Park HBPA Medical Trust. Invoices older than 90 days will not be considered.
SUPPLIES AND MORE.
THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL
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