Iowa HBPA Offering Financial Assistance to Members

As Prairie Meadows Racetrack opens its doors for the 2020 season Friday, the Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is offering a pair of programs designed to assist its members who might be feeling a financial pinch as a result of the delays caused by the coronavirus.

Trainers may apply for $100 in assistance per Thoroughbred racehorse stabled at the Altoona track under the COVID-19 Horsemen's Assistance Program. The deadline to apply for the program is 3 p.m. CT Tuesday, June 30.

The Iowa HBPA has also created the COVID-19 Dorm Room  Assistance Program to help trainers cover any expenses incurred in moving to Prairie Meadows. Trainers can apply for a loan of up to $300 per dorm room, with an agreement to repay the HBPA by Dec. 15, 2020.

“It boils down to free money and an interest-free loan,” said Iowa HBPA president Dave McShane. “We encourage all our Thoroughbred horsemen to apply for these programs. I don't know a trainer who can't use an extra $100 per horse, especially as a bridge until we're able to get into a stretch of unimpeded racing.”