Topics Include Horsemen’s Relations, Aftercare, ADWs; Kentucky Downs’ Johnsen Delivering Keynote Address
Racetracks developing strong relations with their horsemen is good for business. So is the sport’s stake-holders investing in thoroughbred retirement.
Those are two panel discussions during what promises to be a lively and informative National HBPA Convention March 7-10 at Las Vegas’ South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. The Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is the world’s largest organization representing Thoroughbred owners and trainers, with close to 30,000 members across the United States and Canada.
The convention kicks off with a reception the evening of March 7, with full days of programming March 8-10 open to all attendees. In addition, the complete HBPA board will meet March 11. It is the only convention the HBPA will stage in 2017 after having two in prior years.
Registration is now open at hbpa.org/convention for the event, at which elected officers and board members of the 28 state and five Canadian affiliates will discuss the issues and challenges facing the sport through committee meetings, panels and presentations. The assembly is open to anyone involved in the racing industry, including handicappers and fans. Sponsored by Xpressbet and the National HBPA, the convention for the first time includes a handicapping tournament that serves as a qualifier to the 2018 DRF/ NTRA National Handicapping Championship.
Corey Johnsen, president and part-owner of Kentucky Downs as well as an owner and breeder, will deliver the keynote speech on March 8. He also is part of a panel titled Horsemen’s Relations: Building Positive Momentum Working Together, a session that includes The Stronach Group’s Mike Rogers and Canterbury Park’s Randy Sampson, with Virginia HBPA executive director Frank Petramalo moderating.
Johnsen, Ray Reid and their partners in Kentucky Downs began operating Historical Horse Racing terminals on Sept. 1, 2011, and have used that innovative pari-mutuel technology as a game-changing force for the good. In the last five years, the track’s purses have mushroomed from $746,810 for the meet to $7.8 million in 2016. Kentucky Downs also is using its economic firepower to benefit the entire state circuit, including
