National HBPA Again to Discuss Offshore Wagering

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association again will tackle the issues of offshore simulcasts, pirating, and horsemen's rights during its winter convention scheduled for Jan. 21-25 in Tampa, Fla.

The National HBPA, which as about 30 affiliates in North America, will hold a Jan. 24 workshop titled "Offshore Simulcasting: Protecting Horsemen's Rights in a Global Marketplace." Speakers include Will Cummings, president of Cummings & Associates; Douglas McSwain, general counsel for the National HBPA; Ken Kirchner, senior vice president of product development for the NTRA; Ed Martin, president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International; Todd Bowker, general manager of AmericaTAB; and Barkley Porter, vice president of Stevenson & Associates.

National HBPA president John Roark will moderate the panel.

Other topics to be discussed at the convention are the ongoing industry work on proposed national medication and testing policies; possible creation of a risk-purchasing group that could give the organization increased buying power for various insurance and related products; and National HBPA affiliate benefit programs.

The National HBPA also will discuss affiliate membership in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Roark in a release said the offshore wagering panel and other meetings "gives us opportunities to learn more about parts of our business we may not know that well. Our (Jan. 24) panel, for example, will address how global our business has become. We'll address the Interstate Horseracing Act, the recent (World Trade Organization) ruling, and the economic and regulatory impact of racing signals leaving our shores."