The Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (Iowa HBPA) has engaged industry veterans Damon Thayer and Corey Johnsen as consultants to help secure a sustainable and prosperous future for horse racing and breeding in Iowa. Thayer and Johnsen will collaborate with key stakeholders, including Prairie Meadows, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, and the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, to develop strategic policies aimed at strengthening the state’s equine industry and promoting economic vitality.

Damon Thayer brings experience from racetrack communications and executive roles, as well as a political background in the Kentucky State Senate, while Corey Johnsen, president of CJ Thoroughbreds, has four decades of industry expertise and a track record of innovation, notably at Kentucky Downs where he helped introduce historical horse racing machines to boost purses and local economic growth. Iowa HBPA Executive Director Jon Moss emphasized that their combined expertise and relationships are crucial for crafting and implementing a plan that protects Iowa-bred interests and positions Iowa as a Midwest leader in horse racing.