Click here to download a copy of the longer detailed version of this letter.

As president of Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association 1993, Inc. (“1993, Inc.”), I’m sending this today because of concerns I have with our workers’ compensation insurance program.  Last week, the trustees of the Horsemen’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust (“Insurance Trust”) voted to change the agent of record with Midlands Insurance, a wholesale broker through whom the excess insurance and out-of-state coverage is obtained.   

In connection with the renewal of the workers’ compensation program for the 2013-2014 year, the trustees recently received renewal quotes.  There are two parts to a quote.  The first part consists of the premium for the excess coverage on in-state claims and the out-of-state coverage.  The second part is the fee paid to the retail broker or agent who procures the coverage.  In the past, the fee has compensated the agent or broker for the time and effort expended in obtaining the quote and negotiating the premium to an affordable level.  

In a joint statement released by the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association (OQHRA), the associations announced the creation of a benevolence account for horsemen impacted by the recent storms in the state.

Following is the joint statement: Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific event. There are many horsemen who have been affected by this tragedy and have lost everything they own. Celestial Acres, which rents out stalls to multiple trainers, took a direct hit along with the highly publicized damage at the Orr Family Farm. Both horsemen’s organizations, along with Remington Park in Oklahoma City, are working together in coordinating relief to horsemen that have been affected by the storm.

Both offices have been encouraged by the outpouring of support and offers for help from across the country; it truly displays “horsemen helping horsemen.”

Some, including former Fair Grounds owner Louie Roussel III, who had the turf course installed in 1981, have said Churchill Downs Inc. has neglected it since purchasing the track in 2004.

Click here to read the rest of this article from Paulick Report

Louisiana HBPA Members: 

I wanted to make sure you were aware that HB100 was basically defeated yesterday in Baton Rouge thanks to the wisdom of our representatives who recognize the importance and value of our industry to Louisiana.  I am certain that this is true and the effort was successful because you and many of our friends and peers, both with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred interest, took the time and initiative to contact their representatives and have their voice heard.  It was loud and clear.  Thank you for all your help and support on this very important issue.

Stanley Seelig
President, Louisiana HBPA

Click here to download a copy of this notice on letterhead.

Where:
Evangeline Downs
Pre-Function Room
Lafayette

Click here to download a copy of this notice

This bill requires monies currently dedicated and remitted directly to the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LHBPA) , the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) , and the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBPA) to be sent to the state treasurer for deposit in the newly created Horse Industry Economic Sustainability Fund (HIES Fund).

• This bill is unnecessary because it imposes oversight on these funds which is all ready in place.
• The transfer of monies to the HIES Fund places those monies rightfully generated from our industry operations ( wagering, slots, and video poker from other racing facilities) under someone else’s control and may subject those monies to disbursement to others outside of racing who don’t deserve to share in these proceeds.
• The bill also transfers monies that the LTBA and LQHBPA receive to promote programs in the breeding industry. The breeding industry has an enormous economic impact on Louisiana through Breeders’ awards, job creation, and spending.
• The bill attacks funds that support your benefit programs. Please note that these programs go a long way to provide benefits and help those on the racetrack who cannot afford to help themselves.

HB 100 will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013 AT 9:00AM. Representative Joe Harrison is the author of the bill. You may view this bill by clicking here.

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN CONTACTING ANY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OR ANY LEGISLATORS TO VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 100 AS IT CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND PURSES!!

THE FOLLOWING LINK CONTAINS THE EMAIL ADDRESSES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE. PLEASE CONTACT THEM ASAP!!!!

Please click here for a full copy of this notice along with complete representative contact information

PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL HBPA, Lexington, Kentucky
February 25, 2013

EXPERT VETERINARY PANEL ADDRESSES LASIX AND CALCIUM LOSS

At the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association’s recently concluded Winter Convention, a panel of expert veterinarians addressed the questions of calcium loss in horses as a result of the use of the anti-bleeding medication Lasix (furosemide), and the effectiveness of Lasix in treating EIPH.  The panel concluded that administration of Lasix has no adverse effects on horses and without doubt is effective in treating pulmonary bleeding.

Dr. Lawrence R. Bramlage, noted surgeon with Kentucky’s Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, started the discussion with a presentation on bone development and strength in race horses. Based on his experience and scientific studies Dr. Bramlage said Lasix does not affect bone strength nor does it cause circulatory dehydration at usual pre-race doses; Bramlage said he favors Lasix use because of its effectiveness in lessening pulmonary bleeding during a race, though he is mindful of the political questions it creates.

Dr. Thomas Tobin, Director of the University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Toxicology, followed with a toxicologist’s perspective. He concluded that Lasix was not likely to have any adverse effect because a single pre-race dose rapidly clears a horse’s system and its pharmacologic impact ends within an hour of administration. Tobin also stressed that unlike other medication Lasix is not metabolized by a horse.