New England HBPA Seeks Unity in Development

On Labor Day weekend, officials of the New England chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association called for unity among the region's owners and trainers by inviting members of the rival Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association to an open meeting to discuss plans for the development of a new multimillion dollar, non-profit equine center and racetrack.

The Sept. 4 meeting was held at Suffolk Downs after the completion of the day's live racing card, which was the final of only six dates to be conducted in Massachusetts, all at the East Boston oval, during 2016.

"I hope you guys can get together. I'm not sure how far this meeting will go, but it's a good idea to be talking," said Chip Tuttle, Suffolk's chief operating officer, in opening the session.

The New England HBPA is the legally sanctioned representative of the horsemen and it executed a purse agreement with Suffolk Downs to run three days of live racing in 2015 and a total of six days in 2016.

The Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association splintered from the NEHBPA two years ago over several issues, including the number of live racing dates in the state after the ownership of Suffolk Downs announced a meet was no longer economically feasible as a consequence of the failure of its gaming partner to secure the lone casino license designated for the Boston area.

The rival group negotiated a purse deal with the owners of the Brockton Fairgrounds for a 15-day meet this year, but the Massachusetts Gaming Commission denied them a racing license due to problems with funding.

About 100 horsemen, including members of both groups, were in attendance and listened to the presentation on the progress for the new horse park, which would include a one-mile racing strip and turf course, a retirement farm for 40 Thoroughbreds, Olympic-sized facilities for show horses, family recreation facilities, and other features.

At this time, plans would include 75 live Thoroughbred racing days but the funding mechanisms are not yet in place.

"The reason we called this meeting is that we need everybody working together to make this happen," said NEHBPA President Anthony Spadea, who said this was his fourth attempt to unify the factions. "We're doing everything we can to keep live racing going in Massachusetts. Please give us a shot. If you support it, we have a chance.

"There is nothing else. No one is interested in building a racetrack alone anymore. No one is building a racetrack without a casino these days," he continued.

Tuttle told the horsemen that he and the NEHBPA have a "handshake" agreement to race a small number of days, perhaps similar to the six that were offered this year, at Suffolk Downs in 2017 and the track will apply for a racing license by the Oct. 1 deadline.

Tuttle was adamant that live racing at Suffolk Downs next year is only a stop-gap measure.

"Beyond that, there are no guarantees. The owners still intend to develop the property," Tuttle said.

The NEHBPA is currently seeking support in the state legislature, and from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, to turn the dream of the non-profit equine center in to reality.

"Based on my conversations with legislators, the gaming commission, and others, it is important that you show as unified a front as possible," said Tuttle, who added that the battle between the rival groups serves to give those people an excuse not to help the horsemen. "I think people in the legislature want to help you. The best chance you have is to get together on the same page."

Nevertheless, the argument for a unified front to build support for the new equine center and racetrack to keep racing alive did not sway everyone at the meeting.

"It's the same old, same old," said Paddy Reardon, one of the leaders of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "I wish it would work, I really do. But their timing is off. No one is going to sign on for a $150 million horse park in this (economic) climate."