The Texas Horsemen’s Partnership (THP) is in the process of conducting the annual elections for the two partner associations that comprise the THP, the Texas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (THBPA) and the Texas Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (TTHBPA). The THPBA represents Texas owners and trainers of racing Quarter Horses, Paints and Appaloosas, and the TTHBPA represents Texas owners and trainers of racing Thoroughbred and Arabians. Election ballots for both organizations’ elections were mailed out to members near the end of November, and it is imperative that all members carefully follow the instructions on the ballots they receive in order insure that your ballot is valid and counted.

TTHBPA members will be electing two (2) owner representatives and one (1) trainer representative. Current TTHBPA Board members Terry Blanton (owner) and Danny Pish (trainer) representatives will not be seeking re-election.

The TTHBPA owner candidates are: M. Jan Haynes, Jerry Heflin, Lane Hutchins (incumbent), and Garner Gustin Wallgren.

The TTHBPA trainer candidates are: W. Bret Calhoun and Jimmy L. Ray, Jr.

All TTHBPA ballots must be received by the close of business on Friday, January 4, 2008. Note that ballots must be received by this day to be counted – not postmarked by this day. Be sure to mail your completed ballot in the signed postage prepaid business reply envelope early enough for it to arrive by Friday, January 4, 2008.

THBPA members will be electing two (2) owner representatives and one (1) trainer representative.

The THBPA owners candidates are: Warner Croft, David Graham, Connie Nobles (incumbent), and Jerry Windham (incumbent).

John Buchanan is running unopposed for the THBPA trainer representative position.

All THBPA ballots must be received by the close of business on Monday, January 7, 2008. Note that ballots must be received by this day to be counted – not postmarked by this day. Be sure to mail your completed ballot in the signed postage prepaid business reply envelope early enough for it to arrive by Monday, January 7, 2008.

If you have started a horse in Texas in the last twelve (12) months and do not receive a ballot by mid-December, please contact Wanda O’Banan at the THP office in Austin at (512) 467-9799 or wobanan@texashorsemen.com.