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The Ohio HBPA provides a number of benefits for its members. As a benevolent, trade,
service and governmental affairs association, the Ohio HBPA is involved in many facets of Thoroughbred racing.
Members interested in participating in or receiving any of these benefits should contact the main Business Office,
their local Field Office or a member of the Board of Directors.
Personal Financial Assistance
Temporary financial assistance is available to members, their spouses and children, former members and
licensed stable personnel who are immediate need.
- Benevolence requests must be made by application at a HBPA office and signed by two members of the Board of Directors.
- Benevolence is limited to a one time maximum of $500 unless approved by the Board of Directors.
- Benevolence generally is applied to an obligation owed by a member to a vendor (utility company, landlord etc.).
- In limited circumstances, benevolence can be provided for medical bills that are not covered through the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Health Fund.
Health, Vision and Dental Coverage
The Thoroughbred Horsemen's Health Fund (THHF) provides health, vision and dental coverage for trainers, former trainers and their employees.
While THHF is a separate organization from the Ohio HBPA, it is closely affiliated with it. THHF is not an insurance company
but a benevolent association. Trainers and their employees are strongly encouraged to carry their own catastrophic medical
and hospitalization insurance.
- Applications and information on THHF programs can be picked up at any HBPA office. Certain requirements
for time licensed, number of starts and time employed must be met.
- THHF covers doctor and chiropractor visits up to $800/year
- Dental care if covered up to $1,000 per year
- THHF will pay 50% of drug prescription costs up to $1,200/year
- $200 is available every other year for vision care ($250 with approved provider)
- Diagnostics and surgeons are covered up to $1,000/year
- THHF will pay up to $500/year for anesthesia, physical therapy and medical equipment
- Out-patient hospital procedures are covered up to $1,500/year
- Pain management is covered up to $500/year
Health Fairs
The Ohio HBPA conducts Health Fairs once a year at each of the Ohio Thoroughbred race tracks. Health care
screenings are generally available for blood pressure, prostrate, mammograms, cholesterol, diabetes, and
basic vision and dental exams at these fairs. The Ohio HBPA is working on the expansion of these programs,
particular in the areas of vision and dental care.
Social and Family Events
The Ohio HBPA sponsors several social and family events each year at each of the three Thoroughbred race
tracks in the state. Because of large donations from the HBPA budget, these events are put on at minimal cost
to members who choose to participate.
- Two events are held for the membership at River Downs each year. The mid-summer event is a family fun day and picnic at the Coney
Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati. In the early fall HBPA sponsors a dinner/dance cruise on a river boat down the Ohio River.
- Every summer the HBPA members at Thistledown are treated to a family day of rides and fun at the Six Flags Amusement Park.
In October each year HBPA sponsors a dinner/dance in the Cleveland area.
- A dinner/dance is held in late fall of each year for HBPA members at Beulah Park. This event has grown into a large
event attended by hundreds of members.
- Working with the Chaplaincy Committees at each track, HBPA sponsors kids days and holiday dinners at Christmas and
Easter for HBPA members.
Lifetime Claiming Program
If a horse needs to be euthanized as a result of an injury in a race in which it was claimed, HBPA will reimburse the
owner of the horse up to one-half of the claiming price. In order to qualify, both the trainer and the owner must be
registered under the Lifetime Claiming Program and paid the $25 lifetime application fee. Applications to register
for Lifetime Claiming protection are available at any HBPA office.
Horse Information
For a minimal fee, all offices of HBPA can get printouts of race records and pedigrees on horses throughout the
United States. This information is helpful to members wishing to claim, sell or purchase a Thoroughbred horse.
Racing Information
All offices of HBPA get overnights and Racing Form publications for upcoming races. Members should stop in
at their local HBPA Field Office to receive this information. Other publications on races throughout the country are
also available at Field Offices.
Membership Meetings
Regular meetings of HBPA members are generally held each month at each Thoroughbred track in Ohio during meets.
These meetings are designed to bring the membership up to date on issues impacting the horse industry, events
happening in the association and progress in government affairs matters. They also provide opportunities to discuss
local track conditions and policies between the leaders of the association and the membership. Any member of the
association is welcome to attend these meetings.
Publications/ Information
The Ohio HBPA publishes "Hoofprints" and sends it to members on a quarterly basis. "Hoofprints" is the Ohio
HBPA official membership publication and is filled with valuable information about issues in the racing industry,
association activities, services available to horsemen and legal notices. Other notices and information are sent to
HBPA Field Offices on an as-needed basis
Sports and Recreation
Over the years HBPA has sponsored volley ball tournaments, golf outings, bowling leagues, baseball and
basketball teams, passes for gyms and other recreational opportunities for members. Contact your local HBPA
Field Office for information on these activities in your area.
Chaplaincy Program
The Ohio HBPA supports the efforts of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America. Ministers are available at all
three tracks to provide spiritual, moral and psychological support for personnel on the backside.
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