National HBPA Committee Wants Regulators to Unify

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Committee, during a meeting April 3-4 in Lexington, approved a motion that encourages two regulators' associations to work toward unification.

In a prepared statement, the National HBPA said the motion mirrors one adopted by the American Quarter Horse Association's racing body. The motion asks the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association to hold joint conventions and combine national licensing programs.

In other business, the National HBPA executive committee discussed the progress of an effort to form a national insurance program for the racing industry. Working groups are looking at existing programs that could serve as national models, the feasibility of an industry-owned insurance concern, and establishment of model safety standards.

The National HBPA summer convention is scheduled for July 9-13 in Cleveland, Ohio, and the 2004 winter convention for Jan. 31-Feb. 4 in New Orleans, La.