WV Racing United

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HR 2651

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Regarding HR 2651 *
Dear Representative McKinley:   The House E&C DCCP subcommittee staffers have told us that a hearing will take place on H.R. 2651, the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017, on June 22. Hence, we would greatly appreciate it if you could weigh in with the committee staff and ensure that it is a fair and balanced hearing.    The CEO of the National HBPA, Eric Hamelback, has been submitted to the subcommittee for consideration as a witness. His bio is below and we hope that you will encourage his participation.   In addition, Dr. Andy Robert’s is an experienced veterinarian and has also been submitted to the subcommittee as a possible witness. He recently wrote an op-ed on H.R. 2651 and you can read it here.  His bio is included below as well.   Both are excellent communicators and would be expert witnesses. Thank you for your time.     About Eric Hamelback: Contact information: Email: ehamelback@hbpa.org Cell: (859) 707-1452    Eric Hamelback is the CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and serves as representative for the largest horsemen’s group in North America. The HBPA represents thoroughbred owners and trainers, and works to advocate for the betterment of the horse and horse racing. In this position Eric represents NHBPA horsemen on many industry boards including the American Horse Council Racing Committee, the unWanted Horse Council, the RMTC, the NTRA Safety Alliance, the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, as well as the associate member for the Racing Commissioners International. Eric is a strong advocate for retraining and rehoming of Off The Track Thoroughbreds, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in Lexington Kentucky, the equine advisory committee for Square Peg Foundation, Half Moon Bay California, as well as the Capital Campaign Committee for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in Lexington Kentucky. Eric has held many positions in his 30plus professional career in the thoroughbred industry - former general manager of Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm, former general manager of Live Oak Stud, former yearling manager of Prestonwood Farm, and previously serving on the Board of Trustees for Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and previously as a Board Member for the Gluck Equine Center Foundation at the University of Kentucky also serving as a board member from 1997 through 2001 with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club where he served as club President in 2002.   About Dr. Andy Roberts:  Contact information:  Email: wodocsfarm@gmail.com Cell: 859-312-0348   Dr. Andy Roberts earned his veterinary degrees from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994 and wears many hats in the veterinary world. He is the former President of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and serves on the board for the following: the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (Secretary/Treasurer), the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He was also appointed by former Kentucky Governor, Steve Beshear, and reappointed by Governor Matt Bevin to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission— Equine Drug Research Council.  He is the author of six scientific research publications and is a licensed veterinarian in five states.