The California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) is the state authorized organization formed for the purpose of representing the best interests of its member trainers in dealing with the California Horse Racing Board, the racing associations, various racing entities, and the general public. The CTT membership is currently comprised of approximately 750 licensed thoroughbred trainers.

The CTT's 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." The HBPA-California Division was shortly thereafter established in 1947 to further enable both thoroughbred owners and trainers increased influence in the development of the Thoroughbred racing industry in California. The mission and efforts of the organization have continued to evolve and, in 1995, began exclusive representation of all California thoroughbred trainers and their stable employees.

The CTT has never forgotten its original purpose, and has greatly expanded its scope of activities. In that role, the CTT communicates trainers' perspectives, complaints, and suggestions regarding backstretch conditions and facilities, racing surfaces, racing dates, medication rules, security rules, and a myriad of other issues facing the industry. These issues and many others are dealt with through negotiations at the CHRB level, as well as in the contracts that the CTT and the racing associations sign prior to each meet. The CTT also provides seminars and materials for its members on matters affecting the industry.

The organization administers a pension fund with assets of over $37 million. The Plan supplies benefits to all those qualified workers and trainers who are responsible for the care and training of racing thoroughbreds. There are currently over 750 retirees collecting monthly benefits and over 3,300 participants in the Plan.

The CTT also provides education and recreation programs for backstretch workers and their families. These programs include English as a Second Language classes, sports leagues, recreational outings, picnics and holiday parties for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. As a part of the annual Christmas celebration, the CTT provides gifts for workers and their children. The CTT also operates low-cost snack shops on the backstretch at three California racetracks. Through our charitable organization, the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation, we also provide scholarship grants to the children of California stable area personnel.

In addition, the CTT provides administrative services for the industry's captive insurance program through the California Horsemen's Safety Alliance (CHSA) and the California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL).

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