RICHARDS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL HBPA

RICHARDS and VHBPA EXEC. DIR. FRANK PETRAMALO

Virginia owner and breeder Althea “Robin”  Richards was elected president and Stephanie Beattie first vice president of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association during the organization's board of directors meeting July 1 at Prairie Meadows in Iowa.

The election marks the first time a woman has served in either position. Richards, who had no challengers and was elected by acclamation, replaces the retiring Joe Santanna, who served two three-year terms.

"Under Joe's tenure the organization has become an organization we can all be proud of," said Richards, president of the Virginia HBPA. "He left us in ship-shape, and we're a lot better now than when he began (as president)."

Beattie, a trainer with about 60 horses based at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, serves as president of the Pennsylvania HBPA. The National HBPA has four vice presidents by region; one serves as first vice president.

A lifelong horsewoman, Richards grew up foxhunting and showing horses before turning her talents to the thoroughbred industry. Since 1990, she has held trainer’s licenses in six states, owner’s licenses in 12 states and has run horses at over 20 tracks.

In addition to her extensive background as an owner and trainer, Richards has enjoyed success as a breeder. She lists several stakes winners among her credits as owner/breeder, including the $900,000 plus sprinter Punch Line who twice earned the title of Virginia Horse of the Year.

Currently, Richards owns and manages Goshen Farm, a 130-acre establishment near Millwood, Virginia and maintains a band of broodmares in Virginia and Kentucky.