The National HBPA has reached an agreement with Stevenson & Associates, Inc. (S&A), an international simulcast marketing and racing consultancy founded in 1984.

"I can think of no better advisory group than Stevenson & Associates to help the National HBPA and its affiliates attain a better understanding of the increasingly complex on-shore and off-shore simulcasting markets," commented National HBPA Executive Director Remi Bellocq.

The agreement covers several areas in which Stevenson & Associates will help the National HBPA and its affiliates, including analyzing dissemination sites and sub-dissemination sites so that horsemen can better understand where simulcast signals are being sent. Stevenson & Associates will work strictly in an information gathering capacity, and the relationship between local HBPA representative horsemen's groups and track operators, as always, will remain autonomous.

According to National HBPA President John Roark, Stevenson & Associates will also play a key role in the National HBPA's understanding and evaluation of the off-shore simulcasting market. Roark commented, "I've read quotes that while annual U.S. handle on Thoroughbred racing is around $15 billion, the rest of the racing world wagers around $65 billion. If we hope to tap into that market someday - and I believe we will - horsemen need to be involved and informed, and that's why we've brought Stevenson & Associates on board."

Stevenson & Associates founder David Stevenson, who held top management positions with the Ontario Jockey Club (OJC) and New York Racing Association (NYRA) after a successful riding career in the U.S. and Canada, arranged the first known live telecast of a horse race - The Turf Classic - from New York to London in 1980. He formed Stevenson & Associates in 1984. In addition to his experience as an accomplished jockey, Stevenson has also been a breeder, owner, trainer and an HBPA member.

Stevenson said of the agreement, "Horsemen are the engines of our industry and the investors in racing's economy. An enlightened investor makes a better partner. Stevenson & Associates is honored to accept the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's invitation to assist in its progress."