Letter from Louisiana HBPA President Stanley Seelig

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

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.  

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TRAO and OQHRA Create Benevolence Account for Horsemen Impacted by Oklahoma Tornado

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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.”

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THE BIG MUDDY: FAIR GROUNDS TURF COURSE ‘BROKEN’

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The Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is asking the Louisiana Racing Commission to conduct a review of the turf course at Fair Grounds racecourse in New Orleans, following a 2012-13 race season that saw numerous events taken off the turf and in the wake of an annual music festival that left the course a sea of mud.

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

Attention Members: House Bill 100 Defeated

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April 20, 2013 

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.

Attention Members:

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PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO OPPOSE HOUSE BILL 100

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

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Attention Members

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The HBPA Medical Trust Express Scripts program will be ending on April 30, 2013.
 
As always, reimbursement for prescriptions is available for qualified members and trainer’s employees. Please submit your Pharmacy printout to the office in New Orleans for processing.
 
New Orleans office contact information is:
Address is 1535 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone Number is 504-945-1555
Fax Number is 504-945-1579
Email to gdiaz@lahbpa.org
 
The Medical Trust is working to begin a new Prescription Plan as soon as possible.
 
Click here to download a copy of this notice

NHBPA Press Release

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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.

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LOUISIANA HORSE RESCUE ASSOCIATION NEEDS YOUR HELP

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In 2012 we took in 93 horses from the racing industry. We placed 69 of those to new homes. In January of 2013 we took in a herd of 38 emaciated Thoroughbreds from a Natchitoches breeding farm in distress. We pay no salaries or overhead, and need to raise an estimated 45K above our normal horse budget to pay for the unexpected influx of horses in January alone. 

If you are able to help, please visit our website to make an online donation and/or become a member www.lahorserescue.com. Members receive newsletters, discounted adoption fees and first notice of available horses. 

Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 4502 Covington, La. 70433. We are happy to take horses from the track with a small intake fee to cover expenses through placement. To inquire about this, please contact us at 504 451 0688 or email admin@lahorserescue.com 

We sincerely Thank You for your support. 

Sunny Francois
Director
LHRA

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Levamisole Alert

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HORSEMEN'S (AND VETRANIARIAN) ALERT:

     AVOID LEVAMISOLE/TETRAMISOLE

A Levamisole positive has just been called in Kentucky. Levamisole is classified by the ARCI as a Class 2 Penalty Class B substance.  A Levamisole caused positive recently turned up in NY (Tioga Downs) in spite of, reportedly, being administered more than 100 hours before the race.  There have also reportedly been some Pemoline positives in England following Levamisole administration

Levamisole has long been used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic (wormer) and immune stimulant.

In a horse, Levamisole metabolizes to Aminorex and Pemoline both banned ARCI Class 1 STIMULANT drugs.

The source of these Aminorex positives was reported to be Levamisole, as identified by Dr. Pellegrini at Freedom Health in Ohio.

Levamisole and the wormer Tetramisole are closely related. 

Also, Levamisole reportedly may have some stimulant actions, although whether or not these are due to Levamisole itself or to its metabolites, Aminorex and Pemoline, is not entirely clear.

Additionally, FYI, Levamisole reportedly is widely used to “cut” street cocaine; it makes the cocaine look better and helps it pass “street tests”.

ADVISE YOUR HORSEMEN AND VETS TO AVOID LEVAMISOLE/ TETRAMISOLE IN HORSES.

 

Levamisole Alert pdf.

Notices

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Agreement for Approval of Non-Payroll Checks

Pursuant to action by the Board of Directors at their December 4, 2012 meeting, please be informed that, effective December 31, 2012, trainers/owners requesting that their non-payroll checks (limit of $600.00) be approved by the HBPA must complete an Agreement for Approval of Non-Payroll Checks and return to the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper.

Download copy of Notice

Download Agreement for Approval

 

Agreement for Approval of Payroll Check

Pursuant to action by the Board of Directors at their December 4, 2012 meeting, please be informed that trainers requesting that their payroll checks (limit of $1,500) to employees be approved by the HBPA must complete an Agreement for Approval of Payroll Checks and return to the Worker’s Compensation/Medical field office.

Download copy of Notice

Download Agreement for Approval

Important Message from the Louisiana HBPA

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Dear Member,

As your president, I wanted to take an opportunity to update you on good news for our organization and address some misinformation about the completion of some legal matters we have wrestled with over the past few years.   

I am happy to report that due to the leadership of our board and the hard work of our staff we are operating within our budget for the first time in many years. Simply put, we are not spending more than we receive.  I committed to you when I ran for president that we would run the HBPA in an ethical and businesslike manner.  We are working hard everyday to deliver on that promise. 

Since your new board of directors and I took office in April 2011, we have made a number of significant improvements:

  • We now have written policies regulating the use of corporate credit cards and the reimbursement of travel and meal expenses.
  • As discussed below, we have trimmed operating expenses by about $450,000 annually.
  • The Medical Benefit Trust has implemented new claims handling procedures that have reduced fraudulent claims by persons who are not entitled to participate in the program.  This has allowed more money to be used to pay legitimate claims and has enabled claims to be paid quicker than in the past.
  • The workers’ compensation insurance program was restructured through the creation of a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust.  This has enabled us to run our program right here in Louisiana instead of from the Cayman Islands and other offshore resort locations.

As you can see, we are well on our way to operating appropriately and effectively for our membership which is the reason why the HBPA exists: for ALL of our members, not just a select few.

Now, please allow me to review several legal matters we have pursued over the past few years and specifically outline what dollars have been paid to whom and for what reason.

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UPDATED COMMISSION DIRECTIVE

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The order issued yesterday regarding horses shipping in from Hawthorne Racecourse is hereby rescinded. The affected horse at Hawthorne has been confirmed to be positive for the neurological strain of Equine Herpes Virus.

Horses from Hawthorne will be allowed to enter Louisiana racetracks as long as they have a current health certificate and equine herpes vaccination records. A packet of information regarding precautions will be made available to trainers as they ship in from Hawthorne.

Trainers of horses shipping in from Hawthorne must:

1)     For a period of 28 days, take temperatures twice daily;

2)     Train horses after normal training hours of the general horse population;

3)     Take sanitary precautions with equipment to prevent any potential contact between horses until the expiration with no recorded fever for 28 days.

Upon completion of the 28 day period with no recorded events of fever, Hawthorne horses will be allowed to train with the general population of horses. Should a horse become ill during this time, the attending veterinarian is to contact the Equine Medical Director immediately.

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