Welcome back for the start of the 2009 racing season!
As most of you are aware we all suffered a tremendous loss in late December with the sudden passing of our Vice-President Michael Benson. Mike was a valued member of the NEHBPA family and the local racing community.
On behalf of our membership, I would like to once again express our deepest condolences to the Benson Family. He will be missed.
Recent positive comments from Massachusetts legislative leaders regarding their apparent desire to seriously debate expanding gaming this fall brings an air of optimism to Suffolk Downs as we begin the new season. The NEHBPA remains constantly involved in the legislative process, meeting with key elected officials and administrators, as we deliver our message on behalf of all horsemen. We remain committed to our goal of making certain that any new legislation will provide added purse revenue, improve backstretch conditions and provide ample racing days for our membership. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to shape the future of racing for many years to come!
The NEHBPA along with Richard Fields and his Suffolk Downs management team have become very proactive on the subject of horse retirement. We are very serious about this issue and we are doing everything possible to inform all horsemen of the anti-slaughter policy in place and the options available.
Over the last month we have required that all trainers come to the NEHBPA office and spend a few minutes watching an anti horse slaughter video that our association produced. This video also details the procedure that should be followed when a horse is sold, donated or retired. Trainers who have not seen the video should contact the office immediately. Owners who would like to see the video can give us a call to set up an appointment. You can also request a copy of the video through your trainer or by contacting a member of the NEHBPA Staff and we will make certain that you receive a copy of the DVD.
I want to be very clear- if you have any doubt as to where one of your horses is headed when it ships out of Suffolk Downs-PLEASE DO NOT LET THAT HORSE LEAVE THE STABLE AREA!!!
The NEHBPA is here to help make this process as simple as possible and will provide information and answer any questions you may have.
Along with Suffolk Downs, we have put in place some options for you. We have two wonderful organizations that are set up for this purpose. The first is the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and the second is CANTER-New England. The NEHBPA and Suffolk Downs work closely with both. Trainer Lorita Linderman is the local representative of the TRF and she is available in the stable area on a daily basis. CANTER New England is headed by Ellen O’Brien and she is at the track every Saturday.
As a means of protection for every owner and trainer, we have designed a special Bill of Sale that specifically indicates that the recipient of any horse has
suitable facilities, will provide proper care and that the horse will not be relinquished to any slaughter or rendering facility or any agent or auction house that would likely result in slaughter.
This Bill of Sale has been designed for your protection and will be available at the NEHBPA Office, the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper and the Racing Office. We cannot stress the importance of using this specially designed Bill of Sale for every horse that you sell or give away.
Don’t risk your racing future!
Please come and talk to us at the NEHBPA Office as we are here to help you.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Office Staff, have a great 2009 meet!!
