NHBPA issues statement decrying process for creating McConnell bill
{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}}{{dayPeriod}}
While much of the reaction was positive to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s announcement on Monday that he would be introducing a bill in the senate to create a central authority governing doping and track surface safety, at least one group felt left out of the proceedings.
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association issued a blistering statement on the bill.
“Senator McConnell claims to have found compromise within the industry, yet no representative horsemen's groups, horseplayers or veterinary leadership organizations seem to have been consulted in the collaboration,” the statement, signed by NHBPA CEO Eric Hamelback “The National HBPA represents close to 30,000 owners and trainers who want nothing more than increased safety and integrity to secure the strength of the business and our industry.”
The statement stops short of condemning the contents of the bill, which have not been seen publicly, but pulls no punches on the organization being frozen out of the decision-making process.
Unity between groups was heavily stressed by the presenting group Monday at Keeneland, which included representatives from Churchill Downs Inc., Keeneland, the Breeders’ Cup and the Jockey’s Club among others.
“Our industry needs uniform standards and protocols that are consistently enforced to make sure that integrity and equine safety are top priorities for every track, every horseman and every race in all 38 racing jurisdictions,” Drew Fleming, CEO of the Breeders’ Cup said at the event.
According to Hamelback’s statement, the unity was not extended to the NHBPA.
“The HBPA was not made aware of any “compromise” negotiations until a deal had already been reached,” the statement reads. “Nor has the Board of the National HBPA even been asked for its support.”
Hamelback closed by warning the horse racing community to closely examine any bill presented to congress.
“We caution our elected leaders to not be misled by the wealthy few who continue to promote federal legislation in service to their own, private interests,” the statement read. “Based on what we heard today, we are concerned these elite few continue to hold the reins.”
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association issued a blistering statement on the bill.
“Senator McConnell claims to have found compromise within the industry, yet no representative horsemen's groups, horseplayers or veterinary leadership organizations seem to have been consulted in the collaboration,” the statement, signed by NHBPA CEO Eric Hamelback “The National HBPA represents close to 30,000 owners and trainers who want nothing more than increased safety and integrity to secure the strength of the business and our industry.”
The statement stops short of condemning the contents of the bill, which have not been seen publicly, but pulls no punches on the organization being frozen out of the decision-making process.
Unity between groups was heavily stressed by the presenting group Monday at Keeneland, which included representatives from Churchill Downs Inc., Keeneland, the Breeders’ Cup and the Jockey’s Club among others.
“Our industry needs uniform standards and protocols that are consistently enforced to make sure that integrity and equine safety are top priorities for every track, every horseman and every race in all 38 racing jurisdictions,” Drew Fleming, CEO of the Breeders’ Cup said at the event.
According to Hamelback’s statement, the unity was not extended to the NHBPA.
“The HBPA was not made aware of any “compromise” negotiations until a deal had already been reached,” the statement reads. “Nor has the Board of the National HBPA even been asked for its support.”
Hamelback closed by warning the horse racing community to closely examine any bill presented to congress.
“We caution our elected leaders to not be misled by the wealthy few who continue to promote federal legislation in service to their own, private interests,” the statement read. “Based on what we heard today, we are concerned these elite few continue to hold the reins.”
Read More
The fall meets wind down but the graded stakes keep coming, with Churchill Downs hosting Saturday's Grade 3...
This week's Prospect Watch showcases young horses with elite bloodlines making their racing debuts and early career starts....
Nevada Beach returned to the work tab Monday, just nine days after finishing seventh in the Breeders' Cup...
Grand Slam Smile posted Sunday's highest Horse Racing Nation speed figure with a 142 at Del Mar in...
Sweet Azteca and Ag Bullet will return to racing in 2026 as 6-year-olds, trainer Richard Baltas told Daily...