Peter J. Sacopulos, Esq., a partner at Sacopulos, Johnson & Sacopulos in Terre Haute, Indiana has been appointed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Thoroughbred Breed Development Advisory Committee.
“It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Pence. I plan to work closely with members of the IHRC, the track and horsemen to achieve a stronger breeding economy in Indiana,” said Peter Sacopulos
Sacopulos has been practicing law for more than 25 years and represents clients in a broad range of equine matters including, liveryman liens, foal share agreements, syndication of stallions, insurance disputes, and contractual disputes. He also represents veterinarians, trainers, owners and track officials. Additionally, Sacopulos owns Green Gables Stud, located in Clay County, Indiana.
Indiana’s Thoroughbred Breed Development Advisory Committee is comprised of three individuals appointed by the Governor of the State of Indiana. The Committee meets periodically throughout the year and works closely with both race tracks and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. The Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Advisory Committee also conducts public meetings, during which horsemen are given the opportunity to provide suggestions, and voice opposition and opinions.
Each year, the Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Advisory Committee presents a proposed program to the Indiana Horse Racing Commission that includes a proposed budget. The proposed budget for 2015 exceeds $10 million dollars and includes the four ASignature Stake Races” those being the Governor’s Stakes, The First Lady’s Stake, The Too Much Coffee Stake and The Francis Slocum Stake each with a guaranteed purse of $150,000.00.
The Indiana Bred Program’s mission is to provide incentives to those choosing to breed, foal, and race horses in Indiana. The intent of the incentives is to promote investment and capital in the Indiana Program and the Indiana economy, by the way of breeding, racing and related agribusiness. By doing this, there is an overall positive impact on our State’s economy. Purdue University conducted a study that revealed the horse racing industry and related agribusiness are a one billion dollar a year plus industry for our state.
Sacopulos is a member of the American College of Equine Counsel and serves on the Board of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He has written extensively on equine law issues in numerous publications including The Horsemen’s Journal, Midwest Thoroughbred Magazine, Equestrian Professional Newsletter, Al Badia Magazine and the Horse Resource. Additionally, he is a frequent speaker at equine conferences and has presented at the National Equine Law Seminar in Lexington, Kentucky, the Saratoga Institute on Racing & Gaming in Saratoga Springs, New York, and earlier this month at the National HBPA 2015 Winter Convention in Carefree, Arizona
Sacopulos will serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
