Page 19 - The Game May 2006
P. 19

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, May 2006 19
HBPA Update
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
New Controller Welcomed
Report from the Executive Director
HBPA of Ontario Executive Director, Nick Coukos, is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Bill Eastwood, as Controller of the organization effective April 25, 2006.
Mr. Eastwood will replace Mr. John Josephson who resigned from his position to pursue other business interests.
Bill Eastwood is a CGA with a wealth of financial knowledge and experience as a Controller. His most recent position was with Trapeze Software Inc.
“He brings to our organization the link we need to continue to serve our members in the most efficient and professional manner possible.” said Nick Coukos. “We are very happy to have a person of Bill’s calibre join our team.”
“I am pleased and honoured to have been selected for the position and I hope that I can serve the organization and membership well for many years to come.” said Mr. Eastwood.
The HBPA of Ontario is a non-profit organization which represents more than 3000 thoroughbred owners and trainers in the Province.
For more information contact Nick Coukos at 416-747-5252.
Led by Woodbine Entertainment Group, and supported by all industry segments in the province, including the HBPA, the passing of Bill 60 is critical to the long term health of our industry. Bill 60 “Consumer Protection Amendment Act (Internet Gaming Advertising), 2006 is intended to stop advertising of Internet gaming websites which are not licensed by the appropriate authority in Ontario or Canada and operated in accordance with the applicable laws.
As we all have read throughout
industry papers over the last few years,
the growth of illegal Internet gaming
and off-shore is a real and serious threat to the future viability of the horse racing industry. Illegal internet operators who take bets on horseracing do not contribute one cent to purses. In fact, they are siphoning customers that we as an industry have developed for decades.
Wagering on horse racing is regulated by the Canadian Pari-Mutual Agency (CPMA) under the aegis of Agriculture
Canada in accordance with Section 204 of the
Canadian Criminal Code. The CPMA has authorized account wagering on horse racing for licensed Canadian racetracks. Section 207 of the Criminal Code provides the provinces with the authority to authorize and regulate games of chance. Only two provinces, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, allow their provincial lottery corporation to sell lottery tickets on-line. However there are over 2000 Internet gaming sites, many of which advertise their services throughout Ontario.
To avoid Canadian laws (Section 202 of the Criminal Code), these operators are advertising “play for free” sites which then in turn direct individuals to the “pay to play” sites. Bill 60 addresses this avoidance tactic to disregard Canadian law. Bill 60 has passed second reading and is now before the Standing Committee on Justice. I urge all HBPA members to write to the members of parliament urging the support of Bill 60. Please write to: Anne Stokes, Standing Committee on Justice Policy, Room
1405, Whitney Block, Queen‚s Park, On M7A 1A2.
Executive Director Nick Coukos
sites on-shore
Attention Benefit Plan Members
Please be advised that the HBPA now requires that everyone in CLASS A of the Benefit Plan (Groom, Hotwalker, Assistant Trainer) provide a completed Benefit Information Form.
The form can be picked up at either the HBPA racetrack office or by calling the administration office at 416-747-5252 ext. 31 to have a form mailed to you.
Incomplete forms will be returned and benefits could be compromised. Failure to submit the Benefit Information Form will result in cessation of your benefits.
Next Trainer Testing for the 2006 Season
The next Assistant Trainer/Trainer testing scheduled for both Woodbine and Fort Erie will be in July. Completed applications are due no later than 3pm on June 26.
For more information contact the HBPA Backstretch Office at Woodbine 416-675-3802 or Fort Erie 905-871-3200, ext. 3249.
HBPA Groom of the Day wins Cash!
The HBPA of Ontario will award one groom a day with $75 cash for Groom of the Day honours.
The money will be awarded to the groom based upon the appearance of the horse and the groom in the paddock.
Put your best foot forward and you could be awarded Groom of the Day!
Skills Improvement Courses
BusTrip Survey
The HBPA wants your feedback and is taking a survey to determine the interest level of monthly bus trips to various Toronto and area attractions (ie: Toronto Zoo; Canada’s Wonderland; the CN Tower etc.) If you would be interested in the monthly bus trips please let the HBPA backstretch office know. Suggestions for other trip destinations can also be submitted.
Raffle in support of Holly Dapp
Representatives from thoroughbredniagara.com conducted a “Twoonie Sale” and raffled off a polar fleece blanket during the Fort Erie backstretch Easter Dinner in April. $700 was raised to benefit injured exercise rider, Holly Dapp. Trainer Gail Proteau was the lucky blanket winner.
HBPA Office Hours
The Woodbine HBPA backstretch office is open 7 days a week from 7am to 3pm. Phone numbers: 416-675-3802 or 1-800-268-9967 ext. 2249. Fax: 416-675-5569.
The Fort Erie HBPA Backstretch office is now open 7 days a week from 7am to 3pm. Phone numbers: 905-871-3200 ext. 3249 or 1-800-295-3770 ext. 3249 Fax: 905-871-0446.
The HBPA is offering three skills improvement courses this season. Practical Horsemanship/Barn Management; Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse; and Thoroughbred Racing Business Course.
In Fort Erie the Practical Horsemanship/Barn management course will begin May 10 on Wednesdays beginning at 1:30pm for 11 sessions. Fee $25.00. The Anatomy and Physiology course will be held every Wednesday beginning May 10 for 12 weeks starting at 5:30pm. Fee $75.00. The Thoroughbred Racing Business Course will be held every Thursday beginning May 11 for 12 weeks starting at 5:50pm. Fee $75.00.
Additional information and applications available at both HBPA backstretch offices.
Shedrow of the Month
The HBPA and Woodbine Entertainment Group will once again be rewarding Shedrow of the Month with the winner receiving a $200 reward.
The winning shedrow will be based on the overall appearance of the barn and the surrounding area.
Shedrow of the month for April 2006 at Woodbine was - David Guitard.
Shedrow of the month at Fort Erie begins in May.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
Meetings
Every Tuesday at 1pm
HBPA Trailer Backstretch Woodbine Racetrack
Visit us on-line at www.hbpa.on.ca
News • Board of Directors
• About Us • Benefits
• Committee Reports • Job Postings • Forms • Photo Gallery
Pension Plan
Representation
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The H.B.P.A. of Ontario
Administration 135 Queen’s Plate Drive, Suite 370 Toronto, ON M9W 6V1 416-747-5252 Fax:416-747-9606
Entertainment
Insurance
Voting
Publications
Employee Assistance Program Horsemen’s Services
and More!
Woodbine Backstretch Office: 416-675-3802
Fax: 416-675-5569
Fort Erie Backstretch Office: 905-871-3200, ext. 3249 Fax: 905-871-0446
Benefits of HBPA Ontario Membership:


































































































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