Rick Hiles’ scathing defense of the National Association of Benevolent and Protecting Horsemen’s (March 29, BloodHorse Daily) opposition to nationwide drug and safety testing standards was misleading, inaccurate, and reeking of hypocrisy.
Instead of engaging in name-calling, let’s discuss important current issues—the legitimacy and dubious activities of the Kentucky Riders’ Benevolence and Protection Association, the tight control of strictness of directors with respect to board nominations, and the secret obligation of “members” to this commercial organization.
Contrary to claims that Ky. The HBPA is held accountable because it is “validly elected” by members, which are controlled by a small group of long-serving directors and staff who have held power for decades. . While a number of younger coaches have joined the board in recent years, an aging core group continues to hold tight control over the organization—as they have for many years. decade. A director who has been in office for nearly 40 years. Its treasurer has been protected for 35 years. Another director is in his third year and the president has been in his position for more than 25 years. In addition, its recently retired chief executive officer has been on the job for 47 years.
These men took control of who could run for a seat on the board, creating an undemocratic system that maintained their control. The board of directors appoints a “nominating committee” which usually simply re-nominates the existing directors. The resulting process can hardly be called a fair election.
There is no sign of Ky. The HBPA has given full and complete notice of meetings or elections for many years. Owners and trainers, if they’re lucky, might stumble across a membership meeting notice buried in the back of an online magazine published by the National HBPA. The group’s electoral process is extremely ambiguous. It was intentional: The Ky. HBPA does not want owners and trainers to know they are members of this organization.
The group conceals its regulations and maintains conflicting and misleading websites regarding membership. Ky. HBPA is neither open nor transparent. It enforces mandatory “membership” for all Purebred owners and trainers licensed to race in Kentucky, whether they want Ky. HBPA speaks for them or not. These shady voting and membership activities must stop.
This group has long since abandoned its “benevolent and protective” role, turning into a non-transparent, irresponsible trade association with tentacles involved in nearly all aspects of the Pure Race. strains in Kentucky. Ky. HBPA could have used its power responsibly to bring about uniformity in testing, increased safety, and a level playing field. Instead, the board blew it up.
It is infuriating that Ky. HBPA collects millions in tracking revenue without any transparency, accountability, or public scrutiny of its membership and finances.
The shameful behavior of automatic memberships against licensed Purebred owners and trainers must stop. Its proprietary tactics have led to the false claim that it represents the “majority” of riders, as defined in the Interstate Equestrian Act of 1978. This fallacy gives permission Ky. HBPA has undue influence on Thoroughbred racing at Kentucky racetracks. That’s not acceptable.
After only months of phone calls, letters between attorneys and threats of lawsuits, Ky. The new HBPA agreed to release a copy of its regulations. That kind of bunker mentality is unforgivable. It tells me Ky. HBPA has something to hide.
Horsemen deserve better. It’s time Ky. HBPA released its records and implemented reforms. We have to press Ky. HBPA to perform, at a minimum, the following steps:
• Stop the scam claiming all owners and licensed trainers are auto members. Membership must be voluntary and subject to payment of a fee. The list of members should be made public.
• Stop representing owners and coaches who are not paid members.
• End director control over board nominations. Allow a democratic process for board elections. Provide clear deadlines for director nominations. Conduct open and fair elections.
All riders should speak up and ask Ky. HBPA is accountable and open. It’s time for this group to answer and act transparently in the best interests of purebred racing. No more excuses.
Anthony Manganaro
Siena . Farm Manager
