Posted: 6/13/2008

Lexington, KY., Friday, June 13, 2008 – The National HBPA will hold its Summer Convention and 2008 elections July 17 – 20 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA, hosted by the Pennsylvania HBPA and National HBPA President and Chairman Joe Santanna.

Highlighting the agenda, will be a speaker forum on Friday, July 18th entitled “Welfare and Safety of the Horse – Where We Are and Where We Are Going” that will tackle the hot button issues surrounding the racing and breeding industry’s movement toward improved safety of horse and rider.

A key talking point for the forum speakers will undoubtedly be the June 19th House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection hearing on “Breeding, Drugs, and Breakdowns: The State of Thoroughbred Horseracing and the Welfare of the Thoroughbred Racehorse”. Of serious concern to horsemen will be any proposed amendment to the Interstate Horseracing Act and how that might open the door for any other amendments which could affect future negotiations with track operating companies.

Nearly 200 horsemen representing National HBPA affiliates from across North America will convene during the four day meeting during which they will discuss and analyze various welfare and safety recommendations. In particular, the March 17-18 Welfare and Safety of the Horse Summit (WSS) and Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee (JCTSC) findings will be put into greater focus.

The endorsement of any recommendations will be left to the National HBPA Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, July 20th.

Other highlights include:
• Fri. Jul. 18th - An update from Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group President Bob Reeves.
• Fri. Jul. 18th – Evening at the Races sponsored by the National HBPA and the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
• Sat. Jul. 19th – Medication Committee forum and update on medication and testing issues.
• Sat. Jul. 19th – Update on current efforts addressing the growing labor shortage in racing and how several affiliates are finding new alternatives.
• Sun. Jul. 20th – National HBPA Board meeting and elections.

National HBPA President and Chairman Joe Santanna:

“The National HBPA applauds the hard work our industry has been undertaking to address the issue of improved welfare and safety for horse and rider. We have dedicated substantial time during our upcoming convention on this issue and we look forward to reviewing and acting on any and all recommendations, especially those from the Welfare and Safety of the Horse Summit and The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee.”

National HBPA 2008 Summer Speaker Forums

Forum 1 / Friday, July 18 / 9 – 11am

“Welfare and Safety of the Horse – Where We Are and Where We Are Going” Moderator:
Remi Bellocq, CEO, National HBPA
Speakers:
Ed Bowen, President, Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation; Welfare and Safety of the Horse Summit.
Michael Dickinson, Top International Trainer of 2-Time Breeders’ Cup winner DaHoss; Founder Tapeta Footings
Jay Hickey, President, American Horse Council
Ed Martin, President, Association of Racing Commissioners International
Ken McPeek (Tentative), Top North American Trainer; Trainer of 2002 Belmont Stakes Winner Sarava
Nick Nicholson, President and CEO, Keeneland
Dr. Scott Palmer, Past President, AAEP; On-Air Representative AAEP “On-Call” Program
Alex Waldrop, President & CEO, NTRA

Forum 2 / Friday, July 18 / 1 – 2 pm

“Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group – Why Owners Have the Right to Fix the Simulcast Model!”
Speaker: Bob Reeves; President, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group; Chair, Wagering & Alternative Gaming Information Committee;

Forum 3 / Saturday, July 19 / 10 – 12 Noon

“Equine Medication and Testing Update”
Moderator: Kent Stirling, Executive Director, Florida HBPA & Chairman, NHBPA Medication Committee
Speakers:
Dr. George Maylin, “Equine Drug Testing: New Horizons”, Director, New York State Racing and Wagering Board Drug Testing and Research Program, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
Dr. Thomas Tobin, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky