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HBPA to Receive Set Figure at Garden State Track Agrees to Horsemens Proposal After Lengthy Session GARDEN STATE PARK, Camden, N. J., May 16. — Walter H. Donovan, executive vice-president and general manager of Garden State Park, today announced that in the future a set figure will be turned over to the local division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, instead of the former percentage of purses won by the members of the HBPA. This decision was made after a lengthy session yesterday. The meeting was attended by Irving Gushen, national president of the HBPA; John Machise, president of the New Jersey division, and committee members J. J. Colando, George W. Parker, Angelo Bertrando and Mrs. Anita C. Heard. Donovan represented Garden State Park, while also participating in the discussion were Dr. Leon Levy, executive vice-president, and Phil Baker, general manager, of the Atlantic City Racing Association. Garden State is following in line with California, Maryland and some of the New England tracks, who have agreed to give the HBPA a fixed sum that approximates the amount they formerly received under previous agreements, which provided that each member of the HBPA contribute one per cent of the winning purses up to 5. Under the present agreement, the HBPA will receive the same amount of money they received last year, but in a lump sum and with no percentages involved. In agreeing to the HBPAs proposal, it was reported that Garden State Park averted "drastic action," or as many horsemen and others serving at the meeting termed "a strike." Garden State Park, it was learned, stubbornly resisted the pro- posal and did not capitulate until a late hour yesterday. Under the terms, every owner and trainer racing at Garden State Park virtually becomes a member of the HBPA, for the fixed amount comes from the top" of the total purse distribution. Up to today, no deductions were made from the purses for the HBPA unless there was permission in writing filed with the horsemens bookkeeper.
