Kentucky HBPA Moves Offices; Turfway Contract Up

On the heels of battle with its former president, the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has moved its offices to the Churchill Downs backstretch from a building owned by Dr. Alex Harthill.

Harthill, who stepped down as president of the Kentucky HBPA earlier this summer, evicted the horsemen's organization from its office across the street from the Churchill stable gate, according to a letter from the Kentucky HBPA board of directors.

Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky HBPA, said the move to the Churchill Downs press center is temporary. The organization eventually expects to move into permanent quarters near the Louisville racetrack.

Harthill has been critical of the Kentucky HBPA, and in turn the board of directors, in its recent letter to the membership, said the portrayal of the organization in regard to its battle with Harthill stems from "a misguided vendetta by individuals with personal agendas perpetuated by certain members of the media."

Aside from the shift in office space, the Kentucky HBPA has some pressing issues to address. One is racetrack gaming legislation, which could come up again at a future General Assembly session; the other is a new contract with Turfway Park.

For the Turfway meet that begins Sept. 4, a previous contract between the racetrack and horsemen was extended. The new contract would begin with the winter/spring meet that begins in early December. Maline said he doesn't expect any problems in the negotiations.