Marty Maline is retiring as executive director of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association on Dec. 31 after almost 47 years in the post.
Maline, who began the job in February 1976, ranks among the country's best-known and most-respected executive directors of any racing organization. His service is by far the longest with the Kentucky HBPA and probably for any HBPA-affiliated organization.
Veteran industry consultant Joe Clabes, who has overseen the Kentucky HBPA's government affairs and advocacy, has been named interim executive director and will work alongside Maline through December during the transition. Clabes has a lifelong involvement with horses and has worked on equine policy for more than 20 years. That includes serving 2 1/2 years as executive director of the multi-breed Kentucky Equine Education Project.
Maline said now just seemed the right time to retire. He said he's been impressed with the younger generation of horsemen on the Kentucky HBPA board (Travis Foley as an owner representative, and a year ago, the addition of trainers Jason Barkley, Norm Casse and Bentley Combs).
"We've got such a complement of young guys on our board now," he said. "I think more than anything, maybe it's time to turn it over to a younger person with a lot of enthusiasm, and they can all improve the organization.... We're in good shape. We've got this great office here. There's a whole different set of issues, obviously HISA being one. (But) we've got good people. I'm really excited about those young guys."
HISA is the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
"Marty and I have worked together pretty close to 40 years," said Rick Hiles, serving an eighth term as the Kentucky HBPA's president. "We're just losing a good man, and the horsemen are losing a good friend. I'm really going to miss him."
"It's hard to imagine the Kentucky HBPA without Marty," added Kentucky HBPA office manager Sara Toomey. "He hired me fresh out of the University of Louisville's equine program back in 2008 and gave me my first opportunity in the thoroughbred industry. Under Marty's guidance, I've learned so much about not only Thoroughbred racing, but also what it means to be a diplomat for horsemen and a true leader. He genuinely cares about horsemen and his employees. He knows the Kentucky HBPA, from the 'beginning of time,' and it's impossible to put into words what a loss he is both professionally and personally. He has worked tirelessly, quite literally, since 1976 and his retirement is extremely well-earned. "
Maline says his proudest moment came when a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Kentucky HBPA in its 1993 lawsuit against Turfway Park after the track tried to send out its race signal to an out-of-state outlet without the Kentucky horsemen's approval. The court determined that the rights of horsemen under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 supersedes simulcasting contracts between racetracks.
"It's become so pivotal for the whole industry," Maline said. "It's still the seminal case that determines horsemen's rights."
Clabes brings a strong background working in the horse industry as well as with nonprofit organizations.
"Marty Maline has had a long, illustrious career serving Kentucky's horsemen," Clabes said. "Succeeding him and meeting the standard he has set will be a challenge. He and Rick Hiles have provided the Kentucky HBPA exceptional representation for many years. As a second-generation horseman, I am honored that Rick and the board have placed their faith in me, and I look forward to helping to build on the solid foundation they have created."
