HBPA BC Election News
Important Notice: Hurricane Milton causes likely short delay to voting access
To all Registered HBPA BC Members,
You will receive voting access as soon as possible, hopefully later today or tomorrow.
The software company the HBPA BC uses for elections has been impacted by hurricane Milton.
We are not sure where the issue is, but we are experiencing a delay as our data is updated and the voter portal is readied. However, we are not expecting it to last too long.
We apologize for the few days delay, but it will not change the ability for all registered members to vote.
Thank you for your patience.
Neil Stajkowski
Returning Officer
HBPA BC
If you are not yet registered, please click on the link here and fill in the form…
HBPA Election Candidates
Nominees for President: David Milburn & Robert Gilker
David Milburn (incumbent) comes from a family with deep roots in the horse racing industry, spanning four generations in Canada. His great-grandfather made his living breaking horses for the Northwest Mounted Police, followed by his grandfather, who campaigned many horses in British Columbia. Continuing the family tradition, David’s father was a thoroughbred trainer for over 50 years. On his mother’s side, the family hails from Trinidad, where they were also heavily involved in racing. His uncle owned and raced numerous horses in Trinidad. David has 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer, specializing in criminal and civil litigation, where he developed excellent negotiating skills. Expertise that he applies to his leadership role as the current president of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of British Columbia (HPBA of BC). David has worked extensively with the Provincial Government to develop a long-term sustainable plan for the racing industry all the while understanding the challenges the industry faces, and he is focused on positioning it to take full advantage of opportunities as they arise. This blend of a strong family tradition in horse racing and professional legal experience makes David uniquely qualified to continue leading the HPBA of BC.
Robert Gilker is a second-generation horseman. He was raised
in Richmond and for the last twenty years has called the neighbourhood of Hastings/Sunrise home. Training, owning, breeding and working as a professional farrier since graduating from high school in ’81, he’s made hisliving exclusively from this industry. He has previously served as a director of the HBPA BC including board-level feed store oversight and would look forward to serving as President.
Nominees for HBPA BC Director — owner
Incumbents: Don Danard, Gary Johnson, Denise Praill, Nigel Reid
Don Danard: I have owned and bred many racehorses since 1974. I worked on the backstretch when I was a 14-year-old, and so my love of the horses has
been with me for many years. I have been fortunate enough to win stake races in BC, Alberta and elsewhere. Horse racing has always been a very big part of our lives, as a family. I have stood as President, past president, and as an owner/ director of the HBPA of Alberta board over the past 27 years. I have been honored with a lifetime achievement award for thoroughbred racing in Alberta. Horse racing is facing challenging times ahead and I want to contribute and be a part of the process going forward.
Gary Johnson: I have loved horses for over 60 years. For several years as an owner, I did not get involved. One day I was asked to run for the office of Director. Now as an incumbent who works hard on your behalf, I need your support again.In 2023 we started discussions with government to try to replicate the help we received from them in 2021. Without that help we would be in an even more difficult financial position. It has been tough as you all know. In the last year there have been many government issues that seemed to be more important than horse racing. But we persevered. After a recent meeting with the Minister responsible for horse racing, we felt that while nothing significant could be done immediately with the impending election period’ the Minister assured us our issues and needs would be brought forward once the provincial election was over. There is a need for a long-term strategic plan that owners and trainers (our members) and breeders can get behind. There is a need for a new funding model. For many years we have had to deal with an overall reduction in income from slots at both tracks and inflation has costs us mightily. We need a unified position when dealing with the track operator. We must look at what Alberta and other jurisdictions are doing and do better. That is why I am asking for your support to allow me to continue to represent you as we try to develop a revised long-term funding model with government that will bring us success.
Denise Praill: I’m proud of my accomplishments during my first term as Director, HBPA and am seeking your support to continue:
• As Chair, Communications Committee - helped secure funding for
Horseracing BC newsletter, grow subscriber numbers & establish
social media channels (@HPBA_BC and @Horseracing_BC); I’m a regular, top contributor to BC Horseracing Industry.
• Featured in a March/April 2023 BC Business magazine article
highlighting my professional role in healthcare and to Hastings.
• Established backstretch Beverage Container Recycling program.
• Initiated, promoted and hosted multiple ‘Breakfast with the Horses’
events on the front side to encourage racing club and other fans to learn more about our industry
• Initiated, promoted and hosted multiple free backstretch “Breakfasts at the Gap” to demonstrate the HBPA’s appreciation
• As a member of the HBPA Strategy Committee, I’ve been very active in our government relations, working with others in the industry to create the narrative and lead discussions with several MLAs and Cabinet Ministers. Initiated invitations for elected officials to decorate BC Cup Day & BC Derby winners.
I have held an owner’s license for more than 20 years, am a founding and annual member of the Hastings Racing Club and I’m in partnership on two other horses on my own. From 2016-2022, I served on the Board of New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society - equine safety and ensuring aftercare is paramount. In my professional life, I am the CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Hastings is in my DNA. I am the third generation of my family to be active at the racetrack and both of my daughters have worked at Hastings too! And I’m determined to continue to work to protect the industry and see it thrive in BC again.
Nigel Reid: Born and raised in European horse racing, Nigel has worked in the international racing and bloodstock industry in a variety of roles during the past 30 years, including bloodstock consultancy, racing management, bloodstock media, marketing and PR.
“It’s not been an easy couple of years, but we’ve made some real progress in terms of communications. The regular newsletter, social media channels, breakfast with the horses and several other initiatives aimed at opening the sport to as wide an audience as possible, have all been launched as part of the work done by the communications committee that I’m proud to represent alongside Denise Praill. However, there remains much work left to do and I would like to continue as an owner’s representative on the HBPA board to try and help re-establish our wonderful sport on the footing we all know it belongs.”
Nominees for HBPA BC Director — owner
New Candidates: Chris Ceraldi, Jordan Froelich, Gail Jewsbury & Devon O’Donnell
Chris Ceraldi: Horse racing at Hastings has been a part of my life since I was a child, with my mother and sister working in the concessions during the 1970s and my father owning several horses. Now, at 55 and celebrating 30 years of running a successful business, I’m eager to bring my passion, experience, leadership, and strategic thinking to the board.
If elected, I’ll combine my lifelong love of horse racing with the business acumen I’ve built over the past three decades to help rejuvenate interest in this sport. I understand the challenges we face, but I firmly believe that with a clear vision, teamwork, and solid planning, we can restore stability and drive real growth for the Hastings racing community.
Jordan Froelich: As a lifelong fan of horse racing, I got my introduction into ownership through the Hastings Racing Club. Three years ago, I decided to take the leap into full ownership and take advantage of the Fresh Horse Incentive Program. In 2022, I brought 4 horses from Fair Grounds (Dr. Benny, Valerie Valeski, Sky Factor and Mr. Quality) to Hastings. In 2023, I brought 4 as well (Morethansoultitle, Klimtoglory, I’m A Chi Too and Ima Daredevil). This season, 3 more made the way to our bull ring (Duke Girls, Cerebro and Ready Hero). I currently have full or part ownership in 12 horses with all but 1 currently in Vancouver.
I’m a passionate owner that wants the best for Hastings and ensure our viability moving forward. I believe I am a candidate that is willing to put in the time and extra work to ensure we have a future moving forward. As a business owner with previous managerial experience, I have a skillset on the financial side as well as doing various public speaking, board meeting and team building events.
Gail Jewsbury: I started my journey with racehorses at Sandown in the late 80’s after losing my 3-day event horse. I was, at various times, a groom, pony girl and test inspector, helping where I could. I acquired my first TB from Sandown. Since then, I have bred TB’s and race them. I have supported the CTHS BC division sales and continue to have horses racing at Hastings. I have my farm with some of my retired horses in Cassidy on Vancouver Island. I truly understand what it takes to get a horse to the track.
What I bring to the HBPA besides my passion for TBs is my skills as a mediator, my knowledge of how government works (and does not work), and my prior experience with other boards and committees especially in proposal and grant writing. My previous experiences include being the Chair of the North Saanich Environment Advisory Committee where I wrote parts of the first OCP; creating and managing the Warmlands Restorative Justice Society in Duncan which included fundraising; being a member of the steering committee to create the Restorative Justice Association of BC (RJABC) and other positions in organizations as a board member and as a volunteer including Pony Club Instructor. It is time for me to give back in any way that I can. It is time to listen (especially to our members) and time to be heard so that we can promote horse racing in BC.
Devon O’Donnell has been an active owner in the horse racing industry on and off since 2016. Having dove headfirst into how a barn operates on a daily basis as a groom, her passion for the sport only continues to grow as does her education of the sport and all surrounding aspects. She believes that true success in any field starts with those on the ground — the workers and staff who tirelessly care for the horses 24/7.
Devon is eager to leverage her 25+ years in management to advocate for the well-being of everyone; from the hot walkers & grooms to trainers & owners and first and foremost the equine athletes. Not afraid to shoot from the hip, ask hard questions and dig for the truth, her dedication to the horses and leadership make her a strong candidate for the HBPA Board.
Nominations for HBPA BC Director – Trainer
Incumbents: Barbara Heads, Steve Henson & Mel Snow
Barbara Heads: A resident of Aldergrove, BC with over 40 years of racing experience, Barbara is a trainer owner who has grown up with the industry. She has trained for 35 years and have been fortunate to be raised in a family of owners and trainers, parents Cy and June Anderson and brothers Rob and Mike.
“During those years I have raced in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, California and Arizona and was fortunate to experience all aspects of racing in different jurisdictions. I feel our industry has been challenged for so many years and will need strong unity to fight to sustain and help grow this amazing sport.”
Steve Henson: Steve has been an active trainer at Hastings and other North American tracks for many years. He is very dedicated to the industry and the people who work within it and has been the point person for the HPBA’s benevolence and care programs.
“I have been in the industry for almost 50 years, a board member for the past 18 years. Currently vice president. I am on the board for everybody not just myself and have an open-door policy on most issues. I will help where I can”.
Mel Snow: Mel is an active and experienced multi-generation trainer who has been vocal in his support for horseracing for years. He has worked with the Board with his focus on track conditions and jockey recruitment.
Nominations for HBPA BC Director – Trainer
New Candidates: Mark Freeman, John Snow, Demitris Topouzis
Mark Freeman: Born April 2, 1958, Toronto Ontario and a former Professional Hockey player. Primary Occupation: Owner of Marco Sports Medicine & Bracing Medical supply business. Selling and Marketing products for the Medical Industry Unofficial supplier of medical braces to the Hastings horsemen and backstretch workers 31 years in Business responsible for $8M in sales of medical equipment in the lower mainland. Thoroughbred horse trainer since 2019 and Manager of the Hastings Racing Club.
John Snow: has been a very active Thoroughbred Horseracing advocate for many years. From a well-known and respected horseracing family, he has taken his game to other tracks in North America, earning respect and accolades all while maintaining his attachment to Hastings. Along with his training partner Tammy, he has a continued commitment to the success of racing at Hastings.
Demetris Topouzis: Demetris has been an active owner and advocate for horseracing and Hastings for many years. He is dedicated to the industry and the success and enjoyment of his owners.
Voting and Voter Registration
To vote, ALL members need to be registered with the HBPA BC – as has been posted the past few weeks.
If you are not yet registered, go to the HBPABC.ca website and click on the registration button under the elections tab and enter your information to be registered as a member of the HBPA BC.
Alternatively, click the button here and go directly to the registration form:
Each member is required to have a unique email address as this will be your contact point for electronic communication regarding the election.