National HBPA Newsletter
March 2025
From the National HBPA Media Team:
We entered the year with hopes of turning the page, making positive strides and setting the industry on the right path. Then came January 7. Seemingly without warning, industry press announced an agreement between the owner of Gulfstream Park and the Gulfstream horsemen’s association to jointly support legislation allowing Gulfstream to decouple. The proposed bill in Tallahassee would allow Gulfstream to operate its casino without any obligation to conduct live racing. Ownership claimed this move was necessary to secure financing for improvements to the Gulfstream property.
This renewed push to decouple Thoroughbred racing is now underway, the industry’s pushback will be well in motion. But the fight is far from over. The Florida Legislature introduced House Bill 105, filed by Rep. Adam Anderson, and now in Senate as S.408, effectively redlined existing statutes requiring Thoroughbred racing facilities to host live races as a condition for operating slot machines and card rooms. Let’s not forget: These gaming operations were not a given; they were made possible only because they were tied to horse racing. The facilities benefiting from gaming revenue rode in on the backs of horsemen and women.
The NHBPA, along with its affiliates—including the Tampa Bay HBPA—emphasized that these changes do not appear to offer any meaningful benefits for horsemen. Across the country, horsemen agreed: Decoupling from live racing threatens to cripple horse racing in any state.
If there is one key takeaway from this months update, it is this: Our industry is not subsidized by gaming. Gaming companies and permit holders pay horsemen a tariff—a tax—for the privilege of having entered states where horse racing already laid the groundwork for legalized wagering. Without the existence of pari-mutuel betting, states would never have allowed these gaming companies to set up shop, whether in brick-and-mortar casinos or, going further back to my younger days, the riverboats of Shreveport.
I also recently to addressed a recent opinion piece published in the New York Times. Written by Noah Shachtman, the piece attempted to couch horse racing in the U.S. as a sport that has outlived its economic usefulness and should simply disappear. My issue with this opinion piece? Like so many before it, it relied on exaggeration, misinformation and a lack of factual evidence to push an anti-racing narrative, so much so that it is hard to even address.
Like everyone I know who read the article, I looked down, shook my head and felt frustrated. We are all tired of seeing our sport mischaracterized in the mainstream media. Fortunately, I believe that hit pieces like this are losing traction. Why? Because they continue to ignore the facts.
Criticism focused on the idea that racetracks and purse money are “subsidized” by revenue from slot machines, casinos or historical horse racing machines. What he conveniently left out was the fundamental fact that these gaming organizations were only allowed to establish themselves because of coupled legislation with horse racing.
Even more glaring was the omission of the economic impact of horse racing—the tens of thousands of jobs it provides, the breeding farms, the training centers and the vast network of agribusinesses and supporting industries that depend on it. From coast to coast, horsemen and women remain deeply committed to this sport.
That said, the New York Times article should serve as a call to action. We must continue to respond—with facts, with passion and with personal testimonies about what racing means to us.
Tampa Bay HBPA Vice President Jan Meehan provided a thoughtful response to the proposed decoupling in Florida, click here to read more. Jan discusses the very real economic impact decoupling will have on hard working people who rely on the Thoroughbred industry in Florida to provide for their families.
The recent article in The Seattle Times detailing the potential closure of Emerald Downs by 2026 should provide a stark warning to everyone in horse racing of the detrimental impact that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) and its enforcement arm, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), are having on the horse-racing industry nationwide.
For years, the National HBPA has voiced concerns about the economic burdens imposed by HISA, predicting that such financial strains would lead to the shuttering of racetracks and a decline in industry participation. Regrettably, as we see in this article, these warnings are now materializing.
HISA’s implementation has introduced substantial financial obligations on racetracks and horsemen. The $80 million budget for 2025, approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on November 6, 2024, is a testament to the substantial costs being levied upon the industry. This budget is a notable increase from previous years — much of it outsourced to HIWU. While the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in July of 2024 declared HISA’s enforcement authority unconstitutional, HIWU oversees that enforcement. These expenses are not abstract figures and they are translating into real financial pressures for racetracks already operating on thin margins. As a result, many like Emerald Downs are faced with the grim reality of reducing operations or closing entirely. As we have seen, Emerald Downs is facing an 89% increase in fees, escalating from $712,000 to approximately $1.347 million.
Increases such as this across the nation jeopardize the economic sustainability of many racetracks, potentially leading to closures.
It is time to reevaluate the actions, and the costs, of HIWU. In the 2025 budget for HISA, it allocates $37,884,730 to HIWU and over $20 million in lab testing. What is the industry getting for those millions: raids on Emerald Downs, confiscation of therapeutic Thyro-L, and test results showing contaminations such as Metformin? Does the industry really need HIWU to have uniformity?
The trajectory set by HISA and HIWU is unsustainable. The NHBPA urges the Authority, policymakers and industry stakeholders to reassess the financial implications of these regulations – now. Without immediate intervention, the very fabric of American horse racing is at risk, and that will lead to devastating consequences for all who depend on it.
Updates from Washington D.C., Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) are on track to reintroduce the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA) in the 119th Congress, which brings a constitutional solution to safety regulation of the horseracing industry. The RHSA is endorsed by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), the United States Trotting Association (USTA), the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV), and others.
The RHSA would establish an interstate compact to develop nationwide rules governing scientific medication control and racetrack safety for horseracing. The RHSA would replace the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA), which has twice been found unconstitutional by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and which is on life-support as it awaits a decision on whether the Supreme Court will decide to take up the case.
In addition to being found unconstitutional twice by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, HISA proved ineffective in other ways. In 2024, HISA’s enforcement arm came under fire for punishing innocent owners and trainers for miniscule amounts of substances in a horse that have no effect on its performance or health. Over 1,000 horsemen signed a petition by the National HBPA to the Federal Trade Commission to require HISA to establish no-effect thresholds, which would ensure that respected horsemen do not have their reputations and careers ruined over incidental exposures to everyday substances.
The first week of April I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators and discuss this important legislation, advocating for its passage along with outlining the concerns horsemen have with HISA in the hopes to help safeguard the future of racehorses and promote ethical practices across the sport.
As you know the Claiming Crown is a prestigious series of races that brings together horses from across the country, providing an exciting and competitive platform for Thoroughbreds in claiming races. Colonial Downs Racetrack, located in New Kent, Virginia, has long been a prominent venue for horse racing in the region. This summer, the Virginia HBPA has approved eight qualifying races at Colonial Downs, offering regional horsemen a chance to compete for coveted spots in the Claiming Crown. These races will not only spotlight the talent of Virginia’s racing community but also contribute to the growing recognition of Colonial Downs as a key destination for top-tier racing in the Mid-Atlantic. The partnership between the Virginia HBPA and Colonial Downs underscores the importance of supporting and promoting the state’s racing industry. The Claiming Crown will be run at Churchill Downs in November 2025.
The ongoing lawsuit regarding the HISA has reached the preliminary stages at U.S. Supreme Court, where it is being closely watched by those in the racing industry. The case centers around the constitutionality of the controversial HISA. While the lawsuit has sparked significant debate, there is currently no additional news to report regarding the Court’s decision to hear the case or any further developments. As the case progresses, it will have wide-reaching implications for the future of horse racing regulation in the United States, with industry stakeholders eagerly awaiting a resolution on this critical issue.
As April approaches, the road to the Kentucky Derby heats up, excitement builds with each race leading up to “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. From coast to coast, the best Thoroughbreds are competing in a series of thrilling qualifiers, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of horses and their connections. Behind every race is a community of hardworking horsemen and women who devote their lives to the health and safety of these remarkable equine athletes. Their tireless efforts in training, care, and welfare are what make the sport of horse racing not only a captivating spectacle but also a testament to the unwavering commitment to the well-being of the horses that grace the track. As the Derby approaches, we honor those who make these races possible and continue to ensure that the sport remains as exciting and ethical as ever.
The interactive, electronic version of The Horsemen’s Journal’s Spring 2025 issue is now available online. It is an enhanced version of the printed magazine, which is currently being mailed. To view it, click here.
Features in the issue include:
The Backbone of the Stable
Award-winning Turf writer, publicist Jennie Rees continues to advocate for horses and their caregivers
Timely Topics
Discussion of HISA and HIWU, workforce-related challenges, medication issues, promotion of the racing product and its participants and aftercare were among the key topics discussed at the annual National HBPA Conference
Follow the Science
The overwhelming majority of Thoroughbred racing positive drug tests, also known as adverse analytical findings, are trace identifications of substances that cross over from their use in humans
Day in the Life
New York native Ed Vomacka has carved out a lengthy career on the evolving Ohio racing circuit
‘Franklin County 13’
Lessons can be learned from 13 emaciated horses rescued from a Kentucky farm last December
to Supporting Local Kentuckiana Nonprofits
Churchill Downs has officially rebranded the Wednesday of Kentucky Derby Week to be known as “Winsday: Greater Thrills for the Greater Good, presented by Resolute Racing” in honor of supporting local nonprofit organizations in the Kentuckiana community, the organization announced Friday.
With a total of 50 area nonprofits who have emailed unique ticket links to their supporters, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization for every “Winsday” box seat ticket sold. Individual seats on the 100 level are $32 and the 300 level box seats are $39 with the reserved boxes being communal seating with other guests unless they are purchased in full. The event will also provide participating organizations with multiple ways to raise funds including special cash prizes and increasing awareness for their work on race day. Continue reading the TDN article here.
Spring Thaw on Horizon
We’ve taken the plunge into the deeper end of the prep pool for the GI Kentucky Derby. Five nine-furlong stakes each awarding 100 qualifying points are scheduled over the next two Saturdays, after which this list will expand to the Top 20. Continue reading the TDN article here.
NBC Sports will continue to present the Breeders’ Cup across its various networks and platforms through 2030, as the two organizations announced a multi-year extension of their partnership Mar. 26. The championships will be telecast on the parent network as well as Peacock and USA Network for the next six years.
The new deal commences this year with a total of 10 hours of coverage of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup from Del Mar, including 3 1/2 hours of programming on NBC in addition to coverage on the USA Network. Peacock will stream the event live over the course of the two days. Continue reading the TDN article here.
‘Claiming Jail’ Fine, But Concerns Persist
Over ‘Draconian’ Stewardship
The lawyer for New York-based trainer Gary Contessa said the veteran conditioner is considering his options after the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) ruled on Monday to reduce a $4,000 stewards’ fine to $1,500 for his violation last autumn of a state “claiming jail” rule.
Contessa was initially fined Oct. 17 after he ran Answer the Call (Dialed In) in a Sept. 25 claiming race at Delaware Park. He had claimed that filly out of an Aug. 4 race at Saratoga and believed she would be allowed to run outside of New York because more than 30 days had elapsed since the claim.
Continue reading the TDN article here.
in 2026-27 for Horses Who Establish
Previous-Meet Residency at Canterbury
A bill that had a committee hearing on Monday in the Minnesota House of Representatives would make a one-time transfer of $7 million from the state’s general fund to establish a Thoroughbred pilot program to award Canterbury Park horse owners $750 per start during the 2026 and 2027 race meets provided those horses have met a residency registration requirement by being stabled at the track for 120 days during the previous season. Continue reading the TDN article here.
Kentucky” Initiative to Highlight Industry’s Impact
The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) launched Horses Work for Kentucky to share the impact, and lesser-known aspects, of the state’s signature industry and are now seeking submissions, the group announced Monday morning.
Supported by names such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Mt. Brilliant Farm, Red Mile, and the KEEP Alliance and Foundation, the initiative is set across digital platforms, social media, radio, and a new website in order to showcase the essential role horses play in driving Kentucky’s economy and heritage forward. The campaign invites Kentuckians from all 120 counties of the Commonwealth to share their stories about how horses and the industry have changed their lives for the better. Continue reading the TDN article here.
After nearly two hours of debate and testimony, Florida’s House Commerce Committee on Monday passed bill HB 105, which would eliminate a requirement that Florida’s two remaining racetracks hold races in order to offer alternative forms of gambling, such as slot machines, card rooms and casinos. The bill, sponsored by Republican Representative Adam Anderson is now positioned to go to the full house.
A similar bill has been filed in the Senate but has yet to be heard in committees. Continue reading the TDN article here.
NTRA National Horseplayers Championship
Dan Piazza, a financial advisor from Chicago, won the 26th NTRA National Horseplayers Championship at the Horseshoe Las Vegas held from March 14-16, and took home $825,000, an Eclipse Award as 2025 Horseplayer of the Year and earned a return trip to next year’s NHC, according to a press release late Sunday from the NTRA. Continue reading the TDN article here.
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