Wyoming and Kansas thoroughbred horsemen have officially joined the National HBPA, the organization announced Saturday.
The Wyoming HBPA and Kansas HBPA were unanimously approved for full membership at Saturday's board meeting of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, which concluded the annual conference at Oaklawn Park.
The Wyoming HBPA, which represents horsemen at Wyoming Downs in Evanston, is a new member while Kansas returned to the HBPA following a 17-year hiatus after live racing ceased in 2008 with the closure of The Woodlands. Made possible by legislation permitting historical horse racing (HHR) parimutuel gaming machines, live racing is scheduled to resume in the Sunflower State this fall at Eureka Downs, about 45 miles from Wichita. Expectations down the road are for a new track near Kansas City.
“We are very happy to bring on two new affiliates; Kansas of course re-affiliated after being a longtime member of the HBPA until live racing ceased there,” said HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback. “Credit to a lot of people who are trying to bring back Kansas racing, and they've done so with a commitment to HHR machines with the state. Ralph Lilja, who was the HBPA president years ago, attended the conference here and was very excited to be able to become re-affiliated with National HBPA. Wyoming has been a great success story with the ownership group of Kentucky Downs now owning Wyoming Downs. We are looking to have a good presence in the state of Wyoming. Special thanks to (Wyoming HBPA) president Chris Mitchell and his work, along with Corey Johnsen, for getting the affiliate established. Wyoming and Kansas both were actively trying to become affiliated because they felt that had meaning and meant something for the industry.”
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