Churchill Downs Tornado a Reminder of the Importance of Giving to the National HBPA Foundation

On Wednesday evening, a tornado ripped through the Churchill Downs stable area, badly damaging nine of the track's 48 barns, as well as the chapel. Thankfully, there were no significant injuries to any people or horses - something termed a "miracle" by track president Kevin Flanery as he noted that 1,500 people live in the stable area.

Six barns were declared uninhabitable, including those housing horses for trainers Rusty Arnold, Carol Bowman, Bret Calhoun, Jinx Fires, Steve Margolis, Dale Romans, Ian Wilkes and others were marred by the storm.

Approximately 200 horses were displaced by the damages. Several horses have been transported to Keeneland Race Course, Skylight Training Center, and other regional locations for safe stabling until barns may be restored.

Trainers with vacant stalls in their barns have offered stabling to fellow horsemen.

"Our horsemen are resilient," commented Ben Huffman, Churchill Downs director of racing. "They're supporting us 100 percent. We could not be more proud of them for stepping up during this adversity. "

Disasters like the tornado at Churchill Downs create situations when horsemen find themselves unexpectedly in need - exactly the kinds of situations when your tax-exempt gifts the the National HBPA Foundation are most essential and can mean the most in the lives of your fellow horsemen. Thanks to your generous gifts, the National HBPA Foundation has historically answered the call to offer assistance to these horsemen during their time of need, staying true to the National HBPA motto, "Horsemen helping horsemen."

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.

Every year, the National HBPA Foundation provides horsemen and horsewomen in need with tens of thousands of dollars in assistance.

If you would like to read more about what the National HBPA Foundation does, click here to read an article from the Summer 2010 issue of The Horsemen's Journal.

To make a tax deductible donation to the National HBPA Foundation NOW and make a difference in the lives of your fellow horsemen and women who may find themselves in need, click here.