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Regular Session, 2014 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 188
BY SENATOR MURRAY
A RESOLUTION
To commend Bernard Chatters on being elected the first African American president of the
Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association.
WHEREAS, horse owner and trainer Bernard Chatters was elected president of the
Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association in a run-off election held April
28, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association was
formed in 1940 by a group of committed horsemen in New England; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters is the first African American to hold the post as
president; and
WHEREAS, nationally, the association has developed into an organization
representing the interest of horsemen on a myriad of issues; and
WHEREAS, there currently are over thirty thousand owner and trainer members of
the association throughout the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters, born and educated in New Orleans, Louisiana, has
a genuine love for horses and horse racing; and
WHEREAS, the New Orleans native has resided for the past fourteen years in Lake
Charles, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters worked part-time as a hot-walker and a groomer at the
fairgrounds and the old Jefferson Downs racetracks, while earning his degree in sociology
and criminology from Dillard University, and this firsthand experience at the lower level of
the industry served him well once he became an owner and trainer; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters has secured licenses in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas,
New York, and Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, as a horseman and family man, Bernard Chatters has come to know the
ups and downs of the horse racing industry; and SR NO. 188 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters believes that the core of thriving racetrack, farm, or
racehorse operation is good management combined with respect and careful consideration
for all involved; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters said that he "has a commitment to using the post as
a means of developing a progressive agenda which will be consistent with the association's
mission to improve horse racing across the state"; and
WHEREAS, he promises to maintain a steadfast approach with respect to tradition,
honor, and integrity issues; and
WHEREAS, he commits to the reforming of payment procedures, developing a
trainer financed retirement account, and improving the knowledge level regarding the horse
racing industry among legislators and others; and
WHEREAS, Bernard Chatters has been actively involved in the current session of
the Louisiana Legislature, advocating for the passage of progressive legislation and the
defeat of other legislation that would be detrimental to the horse racing industry.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Bernard Chatters on being elected the first African American
president of the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Bernard Chatters and the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE