As a former President of the National HBPA, I have represented over 30,000 owners and trainers across the U.S. and Canada. I have been an owner and breeder of race horses since I moved to Virginia in 1979. We, in Virginia, have struggled all these years with a Breeder's Fund miniscule in comparison with that of our neighbors in the Mid-Atlantic. We have watched our industry fade away because we could not compete with other programs. Passage of the Historic Racing bill this year provides hope that farms like mine will be able to continue and even prosper. 

   Please do not stifle the growth of this racing industry which is so intricately tied to the agriculture of this beautiful Commonwwealth. We could protect so much land and create so many connected jobs if we have a secure future. We need to get the regs completed granting the Virginia Racing Commission the discretion to work the number of Historic Racing machines  necessary for us to be competitive in the Mid-Atlantic. 

   Today, after driving to 3 tack stores in Loudoun County, I sat in the parking lot and purchased a leather yearling sales halter on the phone to Kentucky. It made me very sad. I guarantee, if we get Historic Racing up and running, next year at this time, the stores will be better stocked! Thank you for your time, Althea Richards