From the KY HBPA:

To our KY horsemen (Tuesday, July 21, 2026): Many of you received a version of this message from National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback. We apologize for duplication, but this is important and we want to make sure as many people as possible are aware about HISA’s public-comment period for its proposed 2027 budget.
Dear Horsemen,

I wanted to make sure you are aware that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has released its Proposed 2027 Budget for public comment.

As many of you know, the National HBPA has consistently expressed concerns over the continued growth of HISA’s budget and the increasing financial burden it places on horsemen and women along with the racing industry. Your voice is important in this process, and I strongly encourage you to review the proposed budget and submit your comments directly to HISA.

HISA is accepting public comments through Monday, July 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

Comments should be emailed to comments@hisaus.org with the subject line: “Proposed 2027 Budget.”

The proposed budget and Notice of Filing can be accessed at the following links:

Notice of Filing: HISA’s Proposed 2027 Budget Opens for Public Comment – Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority

Proposed 2027 Budget: 2027-HISA-Proposed-Budget-1.pdf

HISA will review the comments received before submitting the budget for approval. If approved, the budget will then be forwarded to the Federal Trade Commission for review.

Whether you have concerns about the overall size of the budget, escalating assessments, or the efficient use of industry resources, I encourage you to make your perspective known. Public comments are an important part of the process, and meaningful feedback from those who are directly impacted by these assessments deserves to be heard.

Thank you for taking the time to participate.

Sincerely,

Eric J. Hamelback

Chief Executive Officer

National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HBPA

The Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is one of the country’s largest horsemen’s groups, representing about 6,000 owners and trainers at Kentucky’s five thoroughbred tracks. As an affiliate of the National HBPA that represents about 30,000 horsemen in the United States and Canada, the Kentucky HBPA’s responsibilities have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original general benevolence mission, the HBPA is the leading force for horsemen in negotiating contracts with tracks as well as the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired racehorses.

3729 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40214-1712

(502) 363-1077

Kentuckyhbpa@gmail.com