From the National HBPA / Eric Hamelback:

Statement from NHBPA CEO Eric Hamelback on Florida proposal to decouple live racing from gaming
Click here to read Gulfstream Park press release

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025) — The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) finds it necessary to address a recent press release picked up by several media outlets regarding decoupling from live racing.

 

The press release from Gulfstream Park (“1/ST”) contains inaccuracies pertaining to the Gulfstream horsemen and their affiliation. The NHBPA wishes to clarify that the Gulfstream horsemen’s association is not a National HBPA affiliate. While this association had previously been an affiliate, it agreed to discontinue the use of the name “Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.”

 

The NHBPA, along with its affiliates—including the Tampa Bay HBPA—and many other horsemen across Florida, cannot currently support the proposed changes to Chapter 550. At this time, these changes do not appear to offer any favorable provisions for horsemen.

 

For years, the NHBPA has consistently opposed decoupling from live racing, as it is detrimental to the health and welfare of the horseracing industry. We remain committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and the future of live racing and for these reasons we oppose the proposed changes to Chapter 550 of Florida statutes.

Eric Hamelback,

CEO, National HBPA

859.259.0451

ehamelback@hbpa.org
About the National HBPA
The National HBPA is a not-for-profit association founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the world’s largest Thoroughbred horsemen’s organization, representing approximately 30,000 horse owners and trainers throughout the United States and Canada through its 29 affiliates. The responsibilities of the National HBPA have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original benevolent mission, the National HBPA is the leading force for horsemen on the national stage, advocating for the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing, and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired horses.