THA Hosts Backstretch Workforce Webinar - Sept 29

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) will host an important Backstretch Workforce Topics Webinar on Monday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. This timely session will focus on I-9 audits, legal risks, and workforce enforcement issues that directly affect employers in the racing industry.

Why This Matters

Since the start of 2025, federal agencies—including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)—have significantly increased worksite enforcement. Employers are seeing more:

• I-9 audits
• Workplace raids
• High-profile investigations

Noncompliance can result in civil fines, criminal charges, and major disruptions to operations. Compounding the risk, offers of deferred action and work authorization have encouraged some employees to cooperate in investigations—often at the employer’s expense.

What You’ll Learn

This session will outline practical steps employers should take to:

• Build and maintain compliant I-9 practices
• Minimize legal and operational risks under heightened scrutiny
• Prepare for and respond effectively to unannounced government visits

Webinar Details

Date: Monday, September 29
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Panelists: Chris Thomas (Holland & Hart), Jay Ingle (Jackson Kelly)

Pre-registration is required.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w1kqEySOQ_-TbXohaOKdXw#/registration

About the Panelists

Chris Thomas – Partner at Holland & Hart with 28 years of experience representing companies—including those in the equine industry—in audits and immigration-related investigations.

Jay Ingle – Attorney at Jackson Kelly, focusing on commercial litigation, equine law, and labor & employment.

We encourage all members—especially those employing backstretch workers—to attend this critical session.

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