Shepherdstown, W.V., Friday, July 3, 2009 – Having been nominated unopposed, current National HBPA President and Chairman Joe Santanna was unanimously elected by acclamation for another three year term (through July 2012) as NHBPA President and Chairman by the National HBPA board of directors.

The election took place during the final day of the June 30 – July 3, 2009 National HBPA Summer Convention held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Four regional vice presidents were also elected to three year terms: Robin Richards, President Virginia HBPA (Eastern Region); Leroy Gessmann, President Iowa HBPA (Central Region); Rick Hiles, President Kentucky HBPA (Southern Region) and Mike Napier, President Arizona HBPA (Western Region).

Of the four regional vice-presidents, Robin Richards was selected to serve as First Vice-President – next in line to the President and Chairman.

Said Joe Santanna: “I’ve agreed to serve as President and Chairman for another three years as a result of the promise our affiliates have made to continue breaking new ground. We stand ready to challenge our industry’s framework where and when change is needed. But, likewise, we will stand firmly in support of any progressive industry efforts – such as improved safety and welfare – which will help to improve the lives of our horsemen, their families and employees and, of course, their horses.”

The gathering of nearly 140 state and local representatives was highlighted by three powerful speaker forums which addressed key issues including: The impact of environmental contamination as related to increasingly precise testing methodology; A legal overview of horsemen’s rights vis-à-vis exclusionary practices applied by racetracks and; a ground level perspective from various backstretch support and benevolence groups.

Several awards were distributed as well, including co-recipients of the National HBPA Industry Service Award which this year went to Kent Stirling and Dr. Thomas Tobin for their longtime guidance on medication and testing issues.

The National HBPA 2008 Claimer of the Year award went to Antrim County, owned by Carl Moore Management and trained by Bret Calhoun. Antrim County was bred by Overbrook Farm and is a half brother to Albert The Great. His wins include the 2008 Iron Horse Stakes during last year’s Claiming Crown at Canterbury Park.

The group spent an enjoyable evening at Charles Town Races & Slots. While there Charles Town HBPA board member and Chair of the Welfare Benefit Trust, Elaine Hagy, received special recognition for volunteerism from West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, III, presented by regional representative for the Governor, Mary Jo Brown. Also on hand was West Virginia Senator Herb Snyder and delegate Tiffany Lawrence.

The National HBPA is the largest horsemen’s representative association with over 30,000 affiliated horsemen across North America. Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies, Equineline.com, AFLAC Insurance and Horseman Labor Solutions proudly sponsor the National HBPA.

More information on the National HBPA and convention presentations are available on the NHBPA homepage by linking to: www.nationalhbpa.com