With a changing political landscape across North America, a recent message shared this week from a former legislator to a horse racing audience carries significance for the continued prosperity of the industry across all breeds and jurisdictions.
Damon Thayer, who recently completed a 22-year tenure in the Kentucky State Senate, knows a thing or two about making a pitch from the pulpit. His theme when he delivered the keynote address on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Convention? “Cooperation is always better than extinction.”
The National HPBA kicked off a truncated two-day conference with topical panels and presentations at the Safety Harbor Resort in the Greater Tampa area.
While focussed on challenges facing the Thoroughbred racing industry stateside and in spite of copying tactless political jests towards Canada, Thayer offered an important takeaway during his 35-minute address that applies to horsepeople in every racing jurisdiction when he spoke about the need to build relationships with legislators, especially when the lawmakers are not in session.
“It’s mind-boggling what a legislator has to absorb every day, and if an industry isn’t aligned, the easiest thing for a legislator to do is to wash their hands of it and say, ‘I’m a no,’” said Thayer. “But our industry [in Kentucky] got together quickly, because of this one truism: Cooperation is always better than extinction.
“Now, don’t wait for a crisis,” he said. “Because there will be a crisis. A need. A break the glass, pull the fire alarm moment. Build those relationships now, not just when you need something… When they’re not in session, invite them to the racetrack, your farm, your training center, your vet clinic. They need to see the jobs. Tell them how many cheques you write a month to vendors, to blacksmiths...
“And do not get complacent…. Because we have it now doesn’t mean somebody isn’t going to want to take it away. There are enemies of horse racing in Kentucky... You have to be vigilant. But you’ve got to build these relationships because cooperation is always preferable to extinction.”
The keystone address is available to watch below.
(With files from National HBPA)