Rick Hiles' strident defense of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's opposition to nationwide safety and drug-testing standards is misleading, off the mark, and reeks of hypocrisy.
Instead of engaging in name-calling, let's discuss the critical issues at hand – the legitimacy and questionable practices of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (Ky HBPA), its entrenched directors' vise-like control over board nominations, and the secretive conscription of “members” into this trade organization.
Contrary to claims that the Ky HBPA is accountable because it is “duly elected” by its members, the group is controlled by a small clique of long-serving directors and staff who have held sway for decades.
While a few younger trainers have joined the board in recent years, an aging, core group continues to hold a vise-like grip on the organization – as it has done for decades. One director has been in place nearly 40 years; its treasurer has been ensconced for 35 years; another director is in his third decade, and the president has been glued to his position over 25 years. Also, its recently retired executive director had been in place for 47 years.
These men hold sway over who can run for a board seat, creating an undemocratic system that perpetuates their control. The board appoints a “nominating committee” that, more often than not, simply re-nominates the existing directors. The resulting process can hardly be called fair elections.
There is no indication the Ky HBPA has given complete and adequate notice of meetings or elections for years. Owners and trainers, if they are lucky, might happen to stumble across a notice of a membership meeting buried in the back of an online magazine put out by the National HBPA. The group's election process is incredibly obscure.
That is intentional: The Ky HBPA doesn't want owners and trainers to know they are members of this organization. The group hides its by-laws and maintains conflicting and misleading web pages concerning membership.
The Ky HBPA is neither open nor transparent. It enforces mandatory “membership” for all licensed thoroughbred owners and trainers participating in Kentucky races – whether they want the Ky HBPA to speak for them or not.
These shady membership and election practices must end. This group long ago abandoned its “benevolent and protective” role, transforming into an opaque, unaccountable trade association with tentacles into nearly all aspects of thoroughbred racing in Kentucky.
The Ky HBPA could have used its power responsibly to bring about uniformity in testing, increased safety, and a level playing field. Instead, the board of directors blew it.
It is outrageous that the Ky HBPA collects millions in track revenues without any transparency, accountability, or public oversight of its membership and finances. The disgraceful practice of automatic membership for licensed thoroughbred owners and trainers must end.
Its monopolistic tactics have led to the false claim that it represents “the majority” of horsemen, as defined in the federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. This falsehood lets the Ky HBPA wield undue influence over thoroughbred racing at Kentucky tracks. That is unacceptable.
Only after months of phone calls, letters between attorneys and the threat of legal action did the Ky HBPA agree to release a copy of its bylaws. That sort of bunker mentality is inexcusable. It indicates to me the Ky HBPA has something to hide.
Horsemen deserve better. It is time for the Ky HBPA to disclose its records and implement reforms. We must press the Ky HBPA to take, at a minimum, the following steps:
- Cease its deceptive practice of asserting all licensed owners and trainers are automatic members. Membership should be voluntary and dependent on paying dues. The membership list should be publicly disclosed.
- Stop representing owners and trainers who are not dues-paying
- End the directors' control over board nominations. Allow a democratic process for board elections. Provide clear deadlines for director nominations. Conduct open, fair elections.
All horsemen should make their voices heard and demand from the Ky HBPA accountability and openness. It is high time this group provides answers and acts with transparency in the best interests of thoroughbred racing. No more excuses.
Anthony Manganaro is CEO of Siena Farm LLC in Paris, Ky.
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