President’s Message by Al Balestra
Welcome back for the start of the 2010 racing season!
As we open the 2010 race meet at Suffolk Downs, your 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 recent overwhelming veto-proof vote (120 to 37) by the Massachusetts House of Representatives approving Speaker Robert DeLeo’s expanded gaming bill (H4591), created a solid air of optimism as the bill awaits action in the Massachusetts Senate. In addition to establishing two destination resort casinos, the House bill authorizes 750 slot machines at each of the Commonwealth’s four racetracks. A portion of gaming revenue generated at each racetrack will be pooled and distributed to enhance purses at the two racetracks authorized to conduct live racing; Suffolk Downs (thoroughbred) and Plainridge (harness).
There are two other on-going issues that need the full attention of all horsemen. First, Suffolk Downs is currently complying with an EPA administrative order relative to water run-off and faces severe fines, if they are not in compliance with the order. Horsemen need to be aware of this situation and must make every effort to work cooperatively with Suffolk Downs employees by being attentive to daily work procedures that comply with the EPA administrative orders.
The second issue concerns retirement of our thoroughbreds, in the event that they do not have a second career opportunity. We are doing everything possible to inform all horsemen of the anti-slaughter policy in place and the options available. Your NEHBPA along with Richard Fields and his Suffolk Downs management team continue to be very proactive on the subject of horse retirement.
Last year, we required that all trainers watch an anti horse slaughter video that our association produced. This video is available on DVD for our Owners or Trainers who request a copy by contacting your NEHBPA Staff. 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!!!
Your NEHBPA is here to help make this process as simple as possible and will provide information and answer any questions you may have. We have two dedicated organizations that are set up for this purpose. The first is the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and the second is CANTER-New England. Your NEHBPA and Suffolk Downs work closely with both. Stall Superintendent Lorita Lindemann 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 Transfer of Ownership (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 Transfer of Ownership (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. It is very important that you use this specially designed form each time you change ownership (sell, donate, or give away) of your horse. 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 2010 meet!!
