by Don Clippinger

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s board of directors voted Sunday to create a model rules working group that would engage in dialogue with the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s rulemaking committee to craft regulations that meet the needs of horse owners and trainers.

Meeting at the conclusion of its three-day summer meeting in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the National HBPA board also approved a seven-member committee that will evaluate proposed model rules and then seek comment and suggestions from horsemen across North America. The National HBPA’s working group would enter discussions with the RCI model rules committee on suggested changes to the rules before they go to the full RCI.

Assuming an accord on language, the National HBPA’s working group would then assist in winning approval of the model rule and would advocate its adoption at the state or local regulatory level.

“The National HBPA board believes that the racing industry is still the best source for finding ways to improve and regulate welfare and safety in racing, and our challenge will be to shepherd all sensible proposals from the recommendation phase to the rule-adoption phase,” the directors said in a statement. “It is this role the National HBPA intends to undertake in order for our industry to better safeguard our horses and riders.”

Kent Stirling, the Florida HBPA’s executive director and a member of the new model rules working group, pointed out a previous difficulty with a proposed model rule banning steroids. Horsemen objected to a prohibition that did not contain a grace period for implementing the rule.

“That rule was not ready for prime time,” Stirling said Saturday, when he chaired a panel on medication and testing. “There were some things that were missing in the rule, and they were corrected. The rule is much better now.” The modified rule was adopted in March.

Remi Bellocq, the National HBPA’s chief executive officer, said the model rules working group will allow discussions between horsemen and regulators to occur before a rule is up for adoption.

“You have a method where you bring the expertise of horsemen to the table,” he said. “We are committed to being engaged in the process.”

In other action, the board postponed an election of officers until its summer 2009 meeting. Joe Santanna, president of the Pennsylvania HBPA, will continue at the helm of the national organization of owners and trainers. He assumed the post in April 2006 upon the resignation of John Roark.

Don Clippinger is editorial director of Thoroughbred Times