Claiming Crown Horse of the Year to be Awarded at TOBA National Awards Dinner

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders announced today that a Claiming Crown Horse of the Year will be awarded at the 30th annual TOBA National Awards Dinner. This new award will be presented by the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association at the dinner on September 11 at Hill 'n' Dale Farms in Lexington, Ky.

The Claiming Crown, a joint venture between TOBA and the National HBPA, is racing's $1.1 million showcase for the country's best claiming horses. The National HBPA's Industry Awards Committee reviewed the 2014 past performances of all horses that ran in the 2014 Claiming Crown and evaluated the victories of those who won the eight races in the December event at Gulfstream Park. The committee narrowed down three finalists, and ultimately selected St. Borealis as the inaugural Claiming Crown Horse of the Year. Owned by Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey and bred in Kentucky by R-Cher Family Farm LLC, St. Borealis won three of her six starts and earned $96,152. Her three 2014 wins were under the Ramseys' ownership, and her most notable win was a 1 3/4-length victory in the Claiming Crown's $125,000 Tiara Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

"The $1.1 million Claiming Crown is an important event, not only to the National HBPA, but to our industry as a whole," said Eric Hamelback, chief executive officer of the National HBPA. "Claiming horses fill the vast majority of race cards at tracks everyday across North America, and the Claiming Crown was designed to showcase and reward those hard-working horses along with the owners and trainers who campaign them. We developed this award to further honor a deserving horse who exemplified excellence throughout the year culminating with the Claiming Crown."

"We are very proud to recognize the Claiming Crown Horse of the Year at the TOBA National Awards Dinner," said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. "The dinner honors outstanding achievements in our sport and the Claiming Crown Horse of the Year award is very much deserved."

The dinner is sponsored by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, Stoll Keenon Ogden, Stronach Group and Adena Springs, H.E. “Tex” Sutton Forwarding Company, Jackson Family Wines (Official Wine Sponsor of the 2015 National Awards Dinner), Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Woodford Reserve, Zoetis, National HBPA, FLAIR Nasal Strips, NTRA Advantage, Daily Racing Form, The Horse and Blood-Horse.

Tickets for the National Awards Dinner may be purchased at www.toba.org.

Bright Future for Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding in Iowa

Country music superstar Toby Keith is among those who are convinced that blue skies remain ahead for the Iowa Thoroughbred industry and for racing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino (PMRC).

“I have the ability to race my horses anywhere in the country but I send them to Iowa because the purses are lucrative, the racing is competitive, the racing surface is safe and always well-maintained, the facility is fan-friendly and modern, and the staff does a great job,” said Keith, the owner of Dream Walkin Farms, who won the $100,000 Saylorville Stakes with Ghost Locket during the prestigious Prairie Meadows Festival of Racing on June 26th.

Over the past few years, and with bi-partisan support in both houses of the state legislature and from Governor Terry Branstad, a longtime supporter of racing, the Thoroughbred industry has stabilized in Iowa and continues to support the state-wide agricultural network.  Favorable legislation passed in 2011 established a minimum of 67 live Thoroughbred racing dates at PMRC each year and a minimum 11% of PMRC’s gross gaming revenues for purses each year.

Since those issues were resolved, the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents more than 1,200 Thoroughbred owners and trainers, and the management team of PMRC have moved forward in a spirit of cooperation with impressive results that bode well for the future:

In a single year- 2014 to 2015- the positive results include:
• Thoroughbred breeding in Iowa has increased 17%. This counters the national trend where foal crops have stayed flat.
• Combined on-track at PMRC and off-track wagering at PMRC increased 19%.
• Attendance on-track is up - year-to-date through June is above yearly projections 4.6%.
• Horsemen and women from out-of-state and around the country are coming to Iowa to participate in the Thoroughbred program and are contributing to the local and state economy.
• PMRC backside stall use is up 5% during its peak usage.
• Horses per each PMRC live race average 7.3 and remains stable, while other tracks in the region and across the country have difficulty filling races.

“The upswing we are experiencing is dramatic and every trend indicates that will continue,” said Leroy Gessmann, the president of the Iowa HBPA and a longtime owner and breeder in the state. “Although there were some tough issues we had to work through, the horsemen and track management have come together to ensure that the Thoroughbred industry not only survives, but thrives, in this state that has a long and proud history with horse racing.”

Gary Palmer, president and CEO of PMRC, said, “We see racing continuing to be a part of our overall business and don’t have any plans or desires to change that. Horse racing is integral to the state of Iowa’s agricultural business and benefits the state substantially by having this home-grown industry. While we may invest $20 million in purses and another $10 million in running the racing operation, the economic impact of horse racing in our state is significant.”

While there has been some recent opposition expressed concerning PMRC’s live racing schedule change, Palmer explained the reasoning. “Horse racing is an added incentive to bring fans and their families out to the entire complex, which is why PMRC advocated a Thursday through Sunday racing schedule,” he said.

Are We Positive HR 3084 and USADA are Good for Racing?

One day after The Jockey Club’s Round Table Conference, the press has been inundated with comments, criticism and concerns revolving around the support of The Jockey Club, along with the American Humane Society and others, for H.R. 3084.

As has been stated in several press statements, and after full review and discussion of the H.R. 3084 at the National HBPA (NHBPA) Summer Convention in Denver this past weekend, it can still be said definitively that the NHBPA stands opposed to the current Barr/Tonko bill, H.R. 3084. It can also be stated once again, the NHBPA, like other horsemen’s groups as well as the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), wants to work toward all racing jurisdictions using uniform medication and violation rules. However, the NHBPA and its state affiliates collectively believe it cannot be put in the hands of a private organization.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) undoubtedly is a professional organization with experience. However, the reality is that the current makeup of the organization has no experience in equine testing. The number of human samples they test pales in comparison to the number of equine samples tested each year. To add to the complication, the new association will be comprised of board members clearly defined to have no industry ties. This component, along with six USADA members from the current USADA Board, equals 11 members with only periphery knowledge of our sport. Forgive us, but we see that as a significant issue.

Take into account H.R. 3084 also seems to put the regulatory actions currently conducted by state regulatory agencies into the hands of the created USADA entity. Thus laboratory testing programs, investigatory programs, and hearings conducted for rule violations all shift to a private entity given the power to trump state rights.

It must be understood that the most important aspect in all of this current media deliberation is the welfare of our equine athletes. Somehow that message is not being conveyed, and to the contrary, it seems as the voice of a small number of constituents is being viewed as the voice of the majority and they are controlling the message. Those who continue to publicize our industry as a sport riddled with doping and cheaters cannot prove nor backup these allegations with facts. The use of the word “doping” is unbelievably incorrect and shows ignorance on the topic. The usage of therapeutic medications is not doping in human or equine athletes. Neither of these allegations: “our sport is riddled with cheaters” or “doping runs rampant throughout Thoroughbred racing” can be substantiated through fact or science, and the NHBPA stands by facts and science.

It is time for those of us who have the knowledge and understanding of the truth and facts to stand together and contradict those who spread falsehoods riddled with unsubstantiated allegations. The NHBPA is, and continues to be ready, to answer the question “Where’s the positive?”

National HBPA Elects Gessmann as President

Leroy Gessmann

The National HBPA Board of Directors elected Leroy Gessmann as president of North America’s largest horsemen’s association during the NHBPA’s Summer Convention held Aug. 6-9 in Denver. Gessmann is president of the Iowa HBPA and most recently served as First Vice President and Central Region Vice President for the National HBPA. Gessmann takes over for Robin Richards after she served a three-year term.

Gessmann, who owns and operates several family-style restaurants in Iowa, raced Sure Shot Biscuit, the all-time leading Iowa-bred money earner and only millionaire with a bankroll of $1,025,480. Gessmann also owned graded stakes winner Miss Macy Sue, who finished third in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

“I thank the board for their faith in me and will do everything I can to keep this organization going in the right direction,” said Gessmann.

The board also elected regional vice presidents for the association: Tom Metzen Sr., president of the Minnesota HBPA, will serve as Central Region Vice President and First Vice President; Past President Robin Richards, who is on the board of the Virginia HBPA, will serve as Eastern Region Vice President; Rick Hiles, president of the Kentucky HBPA, will serve another term as Southern Region Vice President; and J. Lloyd Yother, president of the Arizona HBPA, will serve as Western Region Vice President.

In addition to the elections, the Summer Convention featured NHBPA committee meetings and forums for horsemen to discuss important topics in the industry.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of our National HBPA Summer Convention” said Eric Hamelback, who presided over his first convention as CEO of the National HBPA. “This convention gave our members a great mixture of organizational business and educational forums. The overall feeling of our members was that of positive energy and re-energized vigor. As horsemen, owners and trainers who pursue our profession in the racing industry, we understand that it is up to us to spread the message of the majority, and that message is filled with positive and factual information that needs to be heard. It will be up to the National HBPA to ensure the message of our affiliates and members is heard.”

In the Legislative Affairs Forum, the panel pointed out several issues with the recently introduced Barr/Tonko Bill H.R. 3084, known as the “Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015.” The bill calls for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to take over equine drug testing from state racing commissions.

Panelists pointed out USADA’s lack of experience with equine drug testing, especially that USADA did not do the testing for equine athletes during the Olympics, and raised questions about how the testing would be paid for.

In the Medication Forum, panelists discussed the past, present and future of equine drug testing. Dr. Steven Barker of Louisiana State University mentioned how drug testing methods have become so advanced that “positives” are being called for tests that find trace levels of a substance that could not possibly affect performance and most likely was caused by environmental contamination.

“In fact, many (tests exceeding) current threshold levels could just as easily be caused by or exceeded by environmental contamination,” he said. “Our ability to test has exceeded what was intended by the laws. There is no pharmacological effect to these small levels.”

Linda Gaston, president of the Arkansas HBPA, was bestowed the National HBPA’s Industry Service Award, becoming the first woman to ever been so honored since the award began in 1999. Gaston was recognized for her dedication to helping horsemen both in her home state and across North America.

The Board also presented a resolution to outgoing Western Region Vice President and Washington HBPA President Ron Maus, thanking him for his years of service, particularly in the areas of financial planning and budgeting for the National HBPA.

The National HBPA will hold its Winter Convention in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Innovation Contest Headlines Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming

Innovation and technology touch every part of the racing industry from wagering platforms to video of the race to data collection of all forms. Developing innovative ideas is time consuming and costly and nurturing new concepts in a sport steeped in tradition are difficult at best. Other industries facing similar issues have encouraged and embraced innovation with pitch competitions like Shark Tank.

The University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, in conjunction with its partners Hai Ng and Vin Narayanan, today announced racing’s first pitch competition. The event, named the Innovators’ Circle, will be held at this year’s annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming. Participants will pitch their ideas and/or products to top executives in the racing and gaming world. The winning ideas will earn cash prizes; if a judge really likes the idea, an offer for a deal could be made.

The event is open to everyone, not just those already involved in the industry. The contest's website, www.innovateracing.com, provides a background on racing and educational tools to help educate the racing newcomers who wish to participate. Full instructions on how to enter the contest are also found there.

“As racing strives to grow in an increasingly competitive gambling environment, we believe that inviting entrepreneurs - who may or may not be involved in horse racing - to pitch their ideas will create tremendous excitement and potentially some new visions for our industry,” said RTIP Program Director Doug Reed.

"We know there are thousands of entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators out there who have great products and ideas that could change the horse racing industry," said Hai Ng, event producer/partner, Neomancer LLC. "We want to create a platform that will let the best concepts rise to the top. Having worked with many start-ups in a wide variety of industries, we have discovered that some of the best innovations come from outside the target vertical; once that breakthrough idea takes hold, the industry latches on and blossoms with it.”

The 42nd annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming will be held from December 7-9, 2015 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

National HBPA Summer Convention Kicks Off Aug. 6

The National HBPA’s annual Summer Convention will commence on August 6 and run through August 9 at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Colorado. The meeting of North America’s largest horsemen’s association is being hosted by the Colorado Horseracing Association.

The first full day of the convention on Friday will include a legislative affairs forum focusing on ways horsemen can effectively work with government officials to ensure their understanding of the impact and importance of horse racing.

The panel will be moderated by Brian Fitzgerald, the NHBPA’s government relations liaison. The speakers will include: Kelley Brooks, principal at the lobbying firm Stealey II Inc.; Daniel J. Hartman, division director for the state of Colorado’s division of racing events; William “Bill” White, president of the Florida HBPA; and Mark Hillman, a Colorado farmer and breeder and former Colorado State Senator.

Friday’s schedule will also include NHBPA committee meetings, forums on benefit providers and public relations, and industry awards.

On Saturday, Kent Stirling, chair of the NHBPA’s Medication Committee and executive director of the Florida HBPA, will moderate a medication forum covering a range of topics related to equine drug testing and regulation.

The panel will include: writer/handicapper Richard Halvey; Dr. Thomas Tobin, professor of veterinary science at the Gluck Equine Research Center and the Graduate Center for Toxicology at the University of Kentucky; Dr. Clara Fenger of Equine Integrated Medicine in Georgetown, Kentucky; and Dr. Steven Barker, professor of veterinary medicine at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

The day will conclude with an afternoon of racing at Arapahoe Park.

“The National HBPA is honored to have Arapahoe Park and the Colorado Horseracing Association host our summer convention for 2015,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA. “The events and forums will be such that our entire membership will be able to enjoy themselves, as well as have a chance to be educated on current affairs affecting our racing industry.”

On Sunday, the National HBPA Board of Directors will meet to elect a new president to take over for outgoing president Robin Richards.