About – California Thoroughbred Trainers

Welcome! We’re Committed to California
Thoroughbred racing and California trainers.

California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) is the state-authorized organization formed for the express purpose of representing the best interests of our member trainers to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), the racing associations, various racing entities, and the general public. All California-licensed Thoroughbred trainers automatically become members when starting a horse for the first time. There are no applications to complete or dues to pay — we are here to advocate for them, assist them, and support them in the hard work they do to take care of the elite racing horses of our industry and sport.

Our History

Our predecessor organization, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), was founded in 1940 to provide assistance to owners, trainers, and stable employees “in times of illness, adversity, or sudden disaster.” Seven years later, the HBPA-California Division was established to support Thoroughbred owners and trainers in increased influence in the development of the Thoroughbred racing industry in California. In 1995, statutory representation of horsemen in California was changed, and CTT began its current representation of all California Thoroughbred trainers and the backstretch community.

What does California Thoroughbred Trainers Do?

Our original purpose of aiding, assisting and advocating for California trainers remains at the core of our work, and over time, we’ve expanded the scope of our activities and services.

Today CTT provides trainers with numerous, important complimentary services. This includes, but is not limited to:

Representation to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB)
Acting as a voice for trainers in the California legislature · Monitoring each racetrack regarding overall track safety and negotiating race meet contracts
Working to improve stable area conditions for workers and horses · Ensuring backstretch security is competent and fair
Acting as a liaison with organizations representing other racing interests, such as the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, Post Time Self-Insurance Group
Administering a retirement savings pension plan for all backstretch personnel, including trainer-employers · In conjunction with the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF), ensuring a variety of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, dental, and optical services, are provided
Conducting and supporting continuing education programs/seminars for the membership
Offering recreational outings, picnics and holiday parties for members
Operating low-cost snack shops on the backstretch of several California racetracks
Conducting English classes and other educational programs for backstretch workers
Operating a recreation and sports program for backstretch employees
Hosting programs for legal immigration and naturalization (H-2B Visa Program) for backstretch workers
Liaison with the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America program
Providing members with Trainer magazine, a quarterly publication containing industry news, information, and features pertinent to California horsemen. (Note: CTT members are entitled to a free copy of each issue of Trainer magazine. If you are not receiving Trainer magazine and would like to, please send an email to acarmona@caltrainers.org.)
Promoting horse racing to the general public
Supporting scientific research
Providing information and acting as a referral resource for employer/employee labor rules & regulations
Providing pedigree and performance reports at a reduced cost
Connecting trainers with interested parties, upon request
Offering free notary services

… and much more

Our onging projects:

Other programs offered by CTT include:

Ensuring that liability insurance is provided for eligible members who meet policy requirements
Regularly distributing vital industry-related information to membership via mail, email, text, fax, flyers
Monitoring trends in Thoroughbred horse racing
Supporting periodic major studies of the contributing factors of racing injuries
Supporting charitable activities with the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation and the CTHF
Promoting reduction of workers’ compensation premiums through Post Time Self- Insurance Group (PTSIG), the California Horsemen’s Safety Alliance (CHSA) & California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL)

How is CTT Organized?

The state of California is divided (just south of Fresno) into two administrative areas: Southern and Northern California.

CTT is headed by a nine-member Board of Directors elected by vote of the membership, with at least three directors elected to represent Northern California.

Staff is available in both Northern and Southern California to provide assistance and information to the membership at their request, as well as to manage the Board’s projects. We are also available to answer questions and assist the public with matters involving everything from selecting a trainer to finding a job on the backstretch.