HBPA ALBERTA TO PROVIDE FUNDING SUPPORT TO RACING IN 2018
Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association of Alberta
Box 1008, Nisku, AB T9E8A8
FOR RELEASE:
HBPA of Alberta To Provide Funding Support for the 2018 Alberta Thoroughbred Racing Season
The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta (“HBPA”) today announced that it has approved funding to support Thoroughbred racing in Alberta for this year.
2018 is a transition year for racing in Alberta with the planned Century Mile Racetrack’s opening delayed until the end of the year and thoroughbred racing’s move to the new facility delayed until 2019. Revenues from Horse Racing Alberta coming back to the industry to support thoroughbred racing and breeding will be declining by $1.14-million this year.
After careful consideration, the board of the HBPA has approved for 2018 financial support to Alberta racing of nearly $600,000 out of reserves. In addition, the HBPA is foregoing operational funding of $150,000 and is re-directing these funds to provide additional support to racing. The combined $750,000 will be allocated to help maintain purse levels through the transition to 2019 when revenues from the racing facilities in Edmonton and Calgary should increase.
“Thoroughbred racing in Alberta is undergoing a renaissance”, said HBPA Alberta Executive Director Darrell Bauder, “with racing’s return to the Calgary market in 2017 at Century Downs and with the promise of the only one-mile racetrack west of Ontario, in the Century Mile opening to serve the Edmonton market in 2019. This use of our carefully accumulated reserves, is unprecedented but we feel warranted to buffer the dip in funding until both facilities are fully on stream.”
About the HBPA of Alberta:
The HBPA of Alberta is an affiliate of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, founded in 1940, which operates on behalf of thoroughbred race horse owners, trainers and backstretch personnel throughout the United States and Canada The HBPA of Alberta is the voice for thoroughbred owners and trainers in the business of racing in Alberta, encouraging the highest standards in the care, health and safety of our horses. We provide general benevolence and contribute to the wellbeing of our members and backstretch workers through our programs (dental, vision, hearing, financial assistance).
For further information, contact Darrell Bauder at 403-875-1956 or hbpa.bauder@outlook.com .
The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta
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