THE HORSEMEN'S BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION
August 3, 2012
Procedure for Voting
1.
Vote for a minimum of one (1) to a maximum of seven (7) Owners. Vote for a minimum of
one (1) to a maximum of four (4) Trainers. If you vote for more than the maximum number, your
Ballot will be voided.
2.
Place your Ballot in the envelope marked "BALLOT".
3.
Do not sign the Ballot or Ballot envelope.
4.
Enclose the sealed Ballot in the envelope addressed to:
HBPA ELECTION BALLOT
c/o Kenneth R. McTavish – Chartered Accountant
1118 – 55 Avenue N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 6Y4
5.
You must sign and print your name where indicated on the envelope addressed to
Kenneth R. McTavish, otherwise the Ballot is void. Should you not wish to have your name
and/or signature exposed, please insert the signed envelope in a separate envelope and
forward to Kenneth R. McTavish.
6.
Mailed Ballots must arrive postmarked not later than August 3, 2012.
If you prefer, you may vote in person on August 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The attached Ballot
must be placed the Ballot box located at the HBPA office located at the Northlands Control Office,
Edmonton.
THE HORSEMEN’S BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
CANDIDATES FOR THE ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ELECTION DATE: August 3, 2012
OWNERS
TRAINERS
Brian Bygrave
Dr. Rod Cundy DVM
Don Danard
Paul Ferg
Cody Gregory
Curtis Landry
Ryan McLean
Rick Milner
Rick Robertson
Jodie Santarossa DVM
Roy Shellnut
Linda Smith
Steve Smith DVM
John Stavropoulos
Cody Anderson
Twylla Bensmiller
Kathy Buehler
Rod Cone
Robertino Diodoro
Diana Feuerhelm
Amanda Gregory
Ron Grieves
Lianne Knechtel
Tim Rycroft
Craig Smith
ELECTION COMMENTS
1.
The elected Directors will officially commence their term on August 30, 2012.
2.
The term will be for three (3) years August 30, 2012 – August 30, 2015.
3.
The President will be appointed by the elected Board of Directors.
OWNERS
BRIAN BYGRAVE
Personal History & Racing Background
I have spent over 40 years in the golf business, the last 30
managing and operating Kan-Alta Golf Management Ltd. My job
included budgeting and financial responsibilities with a busy
Alberta Company.
Having acquired my first race horse in 1976, I have since been
involved in all areas of the horse racing and breeding business.
Previously served as an HBPA. Director and also was the HBPA
Representative on the Board of Directors for Horse Racing
Alberta.
Vision Statement
Horse racing and breeding in the Province is in serious decline.
The continual uncertainty of racing venues, racing dates and
declining revenues has forced many owners and breeders to
abandon the industry. Alberta racing leaders must re-examine
the current model and make serious and sweeping changes to
the current formula. Doing more of the same will not sustain or
grow this industry. Status quo is simply not enough. Industry
Stakeholders must find strategies to agree on; race dates,
revenue streams, and venue licensing.
DR. ROD CUNDY
Personal History & Racing Background
Groomed horses in the 60’s, racetrack veterinarian since 1970,
horse owner and HBPA Director since the mid 70’s.
Vision Statement
Concerns: No “A” racing in Southern Alberta. Horse Racing
Alberta (HRA) incompetence and wasting of Industry resources.
Ways to address Concerns: Pursuing all options to address the
Calgary situation and persistence in exposing HRA’s
shortcomings.
DON DANARD
Personal History & Racing Background
President of Calgary Stockyards. My wife Sue and I race under
Red Diamond Stable. Racing has and will continue to be a
significant part of our family life. I have been the President and
an active Director of The HBPA of Alberta for a number of years.
Vision Statement
In addition to racing at Northlands, live racing MUST return to
Southern Alberta specifically Calgary for the benefit of all our
owners, breeders, backstretch employees and fans. I will
continue to do everything possible to make it happen.
PAUL FERG
Personal History & Racing Background
Born in Cranbrook, B.C. I moved to Edmonton in 1991 and have
been involved in thoroughbred racing for over 26 years as an
owner, breeder and most of all, a fan. I became interested in
racing as a teenager attending racetracks with family all over the
northwest, as a bettor and fan. I purchased my first horse in
1985 at Exhibition Park, Vancouver (now Hastings). Currently
I’m a partner in Kootenay Royal Stables, a small but successful
racing venture that has raced exclusively in Alberta for the past
24 years. I am a Manager in the retail grocery industry, an
industry I have worked in for over 30 years.
Vision Statement
In my business, customer service is of the utmost importance
and I have taught and facilitated many seminars on that subject.
In horse racing, customer service must also be a top priority. We
are in the sports and entertainment business providing both a
spectator viewing and gaming event which are highly competitive
and becoming even more so as different players and
technologies enter the field. The HPBA must work closely with
the race track operators (Northlands Park) to ensure that “our”
customers feel welcome, and have a pleasant and enjoyable
experience each and every visit. With a declining and aging fan
base, the HBPA and the racetracks must work together on
attracting new people to engage our customers to our sport and
more importantly, keeping them.
Horsemen must make
ourselves available and as examples provide educational and
instructional programs such as handicapping seminars, contests,
and paddock and barn tours. We want “our” customers to
become fans. Many of us were fans long before we became
owners, so it is imperative that we focus on a common goal
which has become part of the nationwide mission statement of
the HBPA, and that is to commit to the future of horse racing.
CODY GREGORY
Personal History & Racing Background
Hi my name is Cody Gregory. I grew up on the Wind Rush Farm
just north of Strathmore. I have run my own photography
business since 2003 with many great successes and have been
able to travel the world. Horse racing has been a staple of my
life from the beginning. I have been fortunate to be involved in
racing through breeding and in 2009, I along with my wife and
father-in-law formed Dragon Reach Stables and have been
racing at Northlands ever since. This venture has allowed us to
race our own home breds, go through claiming and purchase
horses from Keeneland.
Vision Statement
Concerns I have as an owner are getting horses on the track and
racing; idle horses in stalls don't pay the bills, There are many
reasons this happens: improper race schedules, track conditions,
etc. As an owner it is important to work with trainers, jockeys,
grooms and racing officials to be more aware of the daily work
involved in keeping our horses crossing the finish line.
CURTIS LANDRY
Personal History & Racing Background
Born and raised Edmontonian. Post Secondary education in
GPRC and NAIT. Since 2001 I have been the General Manager
for Lanco Well Services Ltd. Recently completed a transaction
to convert Lanco, which was a private well servicing company
my family had owned since 1976, to a publicly traded
corporation. I am currently the Well Servicing Manager for Casa
Energy Services. I am a second generation racehorse owner
with my father owning race horses since 1985. On my own I
purchased first thoroughbred in 2007. Have just served my first
term on HBPA Board.
Vision Statement
I am seeking re-election for a second term to do my part to unify
a deeply divided industry. We must work together to garner
consensus amongst stakeholders. Through the implementation
of sound business management we can ensure tracks make
money, horsemen get rewarded and fans have a great
experience. Strong, effective leadership will be our greatest
asset to deal with the many tough issues our industry is
confronted with.
RYAN McLEAN
Personal History & Racing Background
My fiancée, Amber Buniak, and our children Zoe and Mason run an
operation that consists of 20 horses. I am a second generation
horseman and have been in the racing industry since I was six
years old. I was a licensed trainer for five years and currently am
an owner, breeder, farrier, assistant trainer and now operate the
family farm outside of Coronation that my parents ran for 30 years.
I am very active in the industry and this is my second attempt at
seeking office for the HBPA of Alberta.
Vision Statement
I believe it is important to rejuvenate the industry with a fresh
approach. The new Board will have the opportunity along with
Northlands to restructure the way we sell our experience whether to
people already in the industry or for someone seeing it for the first
time. Each year seems to be a greater challenge with horseracing
struggling not just here but it seems everywhere else.
RICK MILNER
Personal History & Racing Background
Resident of Calgary. A former senior financial executive and
international operations executive with a large Canadian energy
corporation.
Long time active owner and breeder of
thoroughbreds in Alberta.
Vision Statement
Irrespective of whether in the long-term there are two “A” tracks
for thoroughbreds, the HBPA needs to be a visible, strong and
constructive presence for the industry.
Significant challenges must be met for the long-term health of
the industry and they include among others: (1) Improved and
increased revenue sources resulting in stable and improved
purse structures – a viable economic footprint, (2) Improved
promotion, marketing and awareness programs throughout the
province, (3) Improved backstretch facilities, (4) More attention
and review of the current drug and safety policies relating to the
horses and jockeys.
Prepared to commit time and effort. There is a need for the
HBPA and its directors to continually be active and directly
involved with all stakeholders – HRA, Track Operators, CTHS,
etc. We have to create and provide strong and constructive
recommendations and new ways to address the challenges.
Finally, we must have transparency and accountability from all
stakeholders – ultimately, it is the owners and trainers that pay
the freight!
RICK ROBERTSON
Personal History & Racing Background
I have been involved in horse racing as an owner for 12+ years
and have been an HBPA Director for 9 years.
Vision Statement
Two issues you need to know about when voting for HBPA
Board members: (1) I want to work together with other horse
racing Associates to show strength and a unified industry. We
need people on the Board that will listen to other Associations’
concerns and find some common ground. Everyone will not get
what they want, but there is common ground we can all agree to.
(2) We need an ‘A’ track in Southern Alberta. I don’t care who it
is with, as long as it is a good deal for horse racing.
If you do not agree with both of these statements then I am not
the right person to vote onto the HBPA Board.
JODIE SANTAROSSA DVM
Personal History & Racing Background
My personal history in horse racing started nearly a decade ago
when I first met Dr. Rod, “horse racing is fun” Cundy, and started
working for him running his pre-race. Horse racing has gotten in
my blood and under my skin. In the last few years, my
professional career has taken a turn towards a more holistic and
preventative approach to building better athletes and to that end
I have pursued additional training in the fields of equine
acupuncture and rehabilitation & therapy.
Vision Statement
I am running for the HBPA board because I am concerned about
the direction that our industry is taking and the storm that is
brewing on a nation wide scale. Yet despite the current situation
I feel strongly that there is a way for horse racing not only to
survive but to thrive and flourish. To that end I ran for a position
on the American Association of Equine Practitioners, AAEP, subcommittee devoted to racing. I started my term last fall at our
annual conference in San Antonio. In part through my own
experiences as a vet, owner and groom at Northlands Park and
through my involvement in the AAEP, I have come to recognize
that it is unity amongst all stakeholders that is essential and that
unity will only come from vision, leadership, passion and
purpose. It is my passion and purpose to see racing reform and
I want to be part of the solution that provides vision and
leadership in these times of challenge and opportunity to ensure
that racing has a bright and prosperous future in Alberta.
ROY SHELLNUT
Personal History & Racing Background
I was raised in a farming community. My family’s farming
activities included the breeding and marketing of horses. For the
past 30 years I have been involved in all aspects of the horse
industry with a primary emphasis on racing. I have been
licensed as an owner, trainer, and racing official in a number of
Provinces and States.
Vision Statement
Over the past years I have watched the decline of the racing
industry. I am concerned that unless the issues facing the
industry are resolved in a timely fashion then the industry may
never be viable again. The construction of a new track in
Calgary is the hope for many for obvious reasons. However, I
believe we also need to do more for the owners and breeders of
Alberta breds. There has to be a financial reason to own and
race an Alberta bred and I do not believe that we are doing
enough to make this a reality. If elected, I will do my best to
promote this belief.
LINDA SMITH
Personal History & Racing Background
I was born in Calgary and grew up in Red Deer. I began as a
teenager riding barrel horses on the rodeo circuit, before
switching to show horses. Worked with show horses, hunters,
quarter horses and gave riding lessons for more than ten years.
Also spent time at the racetrack looking for horses that were not
suitable for racing but good show prospects and then around
1967 started working part-time as a groom at the track. In the
late 70's I was instrumental in starting the Alberta Ladies
Thoroughbred Association and served as President for one year.
Our main focus was improving conditions for the people living on
the backstretch and we initiated many public awareness
programs such as the first "Clocker's Corner". In the last fifteen
years I have been working alongside my husband, R. K. (Red)
Smith in running the Redron Farms breeding & racing
operations. Most mornings I can be found in our shedrow at the
track.
Vision Statement
My concerns are always for the people on the backstretch and
also for the promotion of this wonderful sport. I feel any
problems we have can be addressed with positive
communication and solving things in a non-confrontational way.
I would be happy to serve in any way that the board feels I can
be of help.
STEVE SMITH DVM
Personal History & Racing Background
In 1978 I was born into the Alberta racing industry. A third
generation horseman, my grandparents and parents bred and
trained racehorses in Western Canada for the past six decades.
I am currently licensed as an owner and Veterinarian in Alberta.
In years past I have been licensed as a groom, assistant trainer,
and veterinarian assistant. My broad experience in the industry
has given me a unique perspective on the challenges facing
racing, not only in Alberta but elsewhere.
Vision Statement
My primary concern with respect to racing in Alberta is to
develop a stable working relationship with our industry
stakeholders and Racetrack Operators so that we may have
security in our future going forward.
JOHN STAVROPOULOS
Personal History & Racing Background
Born and raised in Edmonton, I am a tax lawyer at the law firm
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP; have been a licensed owner in
Alberta for 27 years. I am also a breeder in Alberta and breed
and race in other jurisdictions. Have served six years as an
Owner Director of the HBPA; in that capacity I am the Chair of
the HBPA Contracts Committee and sit on the HRA Breed
Improvement and Fall Classic Committees. I wrote a weekly blog
called the Owner’s Blog on theHorses.com for two years to
promote horse ownership; I created Venture Syndicate in 2010
which brought one horse to Alberta and resulted in 14 new
licensed owners in Alberta, and those new owners have since
been responsible for 9 additional licensed owners in Alberta and
the purchase of 20 horses.
Vision Statement
The horse racing industry in Alberta will continue to face many
complex challenges in the coming years. We can emerge from
this downturn and work to strengthen our industry if we break
down barriers between industry stakeholder groups and start
working together, with HRA, to create an atmosphere of
cooperation and communication – we should not deplete our
energy defending our diminishing territory, but rather work
together to explore new ideas and ways to expand our
opportunities and create success. To achieve this goal your
HBPA will require industry knowledge, leadership and a positive
attitude.
TRAINERS
CODY ANDERSON
Personal History & Racing Background
I grew up at the racetrack and have been involved with racing all
my life. My family continues to be heavily involved in Alberta
racing as breeders and owners. I have learned the trade from
many trainers along the way, working as a Groom and Assistant
Trainer before becoming a Trainer in 2008. I had the opportunity
to train Coolspring Farm’s Cool Ventura who was honored as
2009 Horse of the Year and Cool Kahuna as the top 2 year old in
Alberta. I have also trained horses at several racetracks outside
of Alberta, getting insight from other jurisdictions.
Vision Statement
I want to bring faith and reassurance back to horsemen for the
future success in Alberta Racing. I am planning to find the tools
to gain an ongoing relationship with Horse Racing Alberta
through open communication and transparency. Alberta is my
home and where I want to race, and I will do my best as a
Trainer Director to work with the team to ensure our future in this
beautiful province.
TWYLLA BENSMILLER
Personal History & Racing Background
I am 34 years old and have been raised in the sport of Horse
Racing in Alberta. My dad was a Trainer and raced horses from
the time I was born and I have learned my trade from him. I am
proud to be a single mother of my pride and joy, my son Rossi. I
started out as a pony girl at age 14 and exercised horses for
numerous trainers at the track. In 2006 I became a licensed
Trainer. I am completely invested in this business as I also work
as an Instructor for the Exercise Rider and Jockey Program at
Olds College in the winter months and volunteer on the
Backstretch Chaplaincy at Northlands.
Vision Statement
I would like to see more support for the backstretch workers who
make their living working 7 days a week at the track. I would
encourage a more family-related atmosphere during the races
and more support for the families to be able to continue to work
on the backstretch. I believe we need more race days during the
season, and more stability in the industry to bring faith back to
our owners. I look forward to representing you as a Trainer
Director for the next term.
KATHY BUEHLER
Personal History & Racing Background
I cannot remember a time in my life that has not involved horses
and cannot imagine my life without them. My two daughters
were involved in Pony Clubs and Light Horse Associations and I
was an active member and promoted the events. I previously
worked as a groom/exercise rider with the World Professional
Chuckwagon tour. Starting in 1998, I groomed horses and
prepped yearlings for Samson and Mockingbird Farms in Ocala,
Florida. I have worked my way up to training a stable of 12
horses this year at Northlands.
Vision Statement
I feel we need to bring the excitement back and a promise of a
future in horse racing among people who work really hard to
make it happen. I believe that if we have a voice right from our
stall muckers to our trainers it may surprise some of us as to
what needs to be heard and what we all could learn. I would like
to be the voice.
ROD CONE
Personal History & Racing Background
I started at the racetrack as a jockey riding at Grande Prairie,
Alberta in 1963. I grew up in Edmonton, came to the races with
my father when I was six years old and I have been hooked ever
since. I have never had a bad day at Northlands - some have
been just better than others! I worked at Assiniboia Downs in
Winnipeg in the early 70s as a farrier and moved back to Alberta
and continued to shoe horses in Edmonton and Calgary. I first
licensed as a trainer in 1971. I have shod and trained horses
since then in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New
York, Ohio, West Virginia, British Columbia, California and
Louisiana. I served as an HBPA Director for two (2) terms in the
1990s.
Vision Statement
My main concerns are to improve the cooperation between
Horsemen and Northlands managements as it pertains to many
issues, including improving backstretch conditions. Horsemen
need to get more involved with the media and Northlands
management to help attract fans to our live product and
simulcast.
ROBERTINO DIODORO
Personal History & Racing Background
I am currently serving my second term as a Trainer Director of
the HBPA of Alberta having represented both the small and large
Horsemen to the best of my ability. Along with wife Nicki and my
team we train public stables year round in Alberta, Arizona, and
now California. Training outside of Alberta has given me
tremendous insights as to how racing works in other jurisdictions.
Vision Statement
I have a very loyal owner base who continue to be committed to
Alberta racing. There is no doubt that the most significant factor
that has negatively affected the industry in Alberta since 2008 is
not having a place to race in Calgary. Without racing returning to
Southern Alberta, where once there was a significant owner and
fan base, purses and investment in the racing and breeding
industry will not grow. Time has come to make a final decision
on a racetrack in Calgary. If racing in Calgary is not in the cards,
then the current business model has to be changed since it is not
working. I am committed to see racing in Alberta grow and
prosper.
DIANA FEUERHELM
Personal History & Racing Background
Trainer/Exercise Rider.
Vision Statement
I am a proud Albertan wishing to improve the racing industry
here in my own province. Alberta Racing is my future and
therefore I have a vested interest in Alberta Racing at all levels.
I like to think of myself as more than just a trainer. I run a small
15-20 horse barn; I like to keep it small so I can stay a "hands
on" trainer. I do it all with the help of my team. You can find me
in the mornings tacking, galloping, bathing and doing leg work.
We all wear many different hats in my barn! You can find out
more about me at www.EquipUs.ca
I see a promising future in Alberta Racing and want to do my part
in promoting and generating long term racing interest. Together
with a revamped HBPA board I can see us making Alberta
Racing prosperous for everyone involved.
AMANDA GREGORY
Personal History & Racing Background
I grew up on Wind Rush Farm just outside of Strathmore Alberta.
Right after high school, I went to Augustana University College
for three years, majoring in Biology and English. In 2005 I took
part in the Olds College Groom Training Program. After the
program completed, I started grooming at the racetrack and
began to acquire some broodmares, which I first bred in 2006.
In the fall of 2010 I wrote the trainers test and started training the
following spring with much success. I am also an active member
of the Backstretch Chaplaincy Board, which is committed to
helping backstretch workers in a multitude of ways.
Vision Statement
There are many concerns within the industry. One concern
would be the conditions of our backstretch. There are many
efforts being made to improve the image of racing on the frontside. Though this is great, we need to improve the image and
conditions of the barn areas as well. In order to do this we need
to secure some sort of funding. If we cannot get money from the
usual sources, maybe we should start getting creative and find
other means, such as corporate sponsors. Communication is
another concern. We need better communication between the
various groups within the industry so we can all be on the same
page about how things should be done and what everyone is
doing. We need more frequent meetings for people in the
industry, with reps from each group present so we are better
able to discuss our concerns, come up with solutions, and
actually implement those solutions in a timely matter.
RON GRIEVES
Personal History & Racing Background
I have been involved in racing for 30 years in Alberta. Since
1993, I have been a groom, exercise rider, owner, and currently
train a public stable. My wife Chris and my children Owen and
Jillana live in Calgary and are my greatest supporters.
Vision Statement
I am a full time Alberta trainer. I race and live here in Alberta
and I want to continue to try to strengthen the industry. I think it
is very important to run as many days locally as possible. I will
continue to think of the local horsemen, racing, and our Alberta
owners.
I am proud to have been an HBPA representative for the last two
terms and I hope to represent the horsemen for another term.
LIANNE KNECHTEL
Personal History & Racing Background
Over the last 37 years I have been a bookkeeper, teacher, sold
tack, stall mucker, race rider, trainer and owner. I have also
been involved in the Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association,
and served as a Trainer Director of The HBPA of Alberta.
Vision Statement
I have been in the racing industry since 1975 and have seen
changes in Alberta racing from many different perspectives
having experienced the highs and lows. I make my living in this
world as a horse trainer/owner. We are in a constantly changing
world and I care very much what happens to our industry since it
affects myself and many of my associates. Please consider my
nomination to become a Director for the next 3 year term.
TIM RYCROFT
Personal History & Racing Background
My family as well as my wife’s (Lori) have been involved in all
aspects of the Alberta racing industry for decades. Prior to
becoming a public trainer I was the outrider in Alberta and then
Woodbine, thus my experience and strengths lie in track safety
and maintenance. During the last two winters I have ventured
out and trained a public stable in Florida.
Vision Statement
The number one concern for all Horsemen is the need to return
racing to Calgary so that additional monies from gaming and
racing again start flowing into the industry. Industry stakeholders
need to work collectively to make that happen. We all realize
that there are many challenges facing the industry in Alberta but
now major funding problems have also surfaced in Ontario and
Saskatchewan. We have to communicate and improve our
relations with all parties including the regulatory body and the
current track operators and all work together to move racing in
Alberta upward and onward.
CRAIG SMITH
Personal History & Racing Background
I am 28 years old and have been involved in racing in Alberta for
12 years. I was born into racing and my family still makes their
living with horse racing. I am an owner, trainer, and exercise
rider, with a personal interest in horse racing in Alberta.
Vision Statement
My focus for racing in Alberta is to promote our simulcast signal
and a long term agreements with the Provincial Government and
racing venues. Our breeders also need more support to promote
the Alberta breeding program. It is my intention to work with the
Board and to bring stability to the industry.