Louisiana HBPA Submits Letter to Louisiana Governor

Benard Chatters, President of the Louisiana HBPA, submitted a letter on behalf its members to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

"Our members that predominately race Quarter Horses are eager for the Meet to begin at Delta Downs. Our members that predominately race Thoroughbred Horses are eager for the Meets to begin at Louisiana Downs in the northern part of the state and at Evangeline Downs in the southern part of the state," Chatters said.

He informed the Governor of the current meets being conducted at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, Gulfstream Park in Florida, and several other venues across the United States. These races are being conducted without fans in attendance and under the COVID - 19 Safety Recommendations issued by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association on March 18, 2020.

The Louisiana HBPA has requested that the state's racetracks develop operational plans to resume racing. Resumption of these race meets will help begin the economic recovery that Louisiana needs. The Louisiana race horse industry contributes in excess of a billion dollars annually in economic impact.

. Chatters told the Governor that both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Breeders are eager for racing to begin in order to help with the sale of Louisiana Bred horses.

"Please help the Horse Racing industry get back to work as soon as the science and you (Governor Edwards) believe it is appropriate to do so," he added.

CLICK HERE to read the entire letter.