National HBPA Adds Wyoming, Kansas as Affiliates, Reaches 31 Members

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association’s board unanimously approved the Wyoming HBPA and the Kansas HBPA for full membership at the annual conference that concluded at Oaklawn Park on March 7, 2026, bringing the organization’s total to 31 affiliates and putting a spotlight on Kansas’ planned fall comeback. The approvals mark the addition of the 30th and 31st affiliates, and raise immediate questions about timing and infrastructure as Kansas prepares to restart live racing this fall.

The board’s unanimous votes were cast at the meeting that closed the Oaklawn Park conference, and the National HBPA now counts 31 affiliates, with 26 in the United States and five in the Canadian provinces. The organization, described in its materials as America’s largest racehorse owners' and trainers' organization, provided the confirmation and contact information 866-245-1711 | racing@hbpa.org.

Wyoming’s affiliate represents horsemen at Wyoming Downs in Evanston, Wyoming, and enters the National HBPA as a newly formed member. HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback praised the track’s development and ownership changes, saying, “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.” Colorado HBPA president Kim Oliver, left, spoke with Wyoming HBPA founding board member Corey Johnsen Saturday morning after the National HBPA board meeting at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Jennie Rees/National HBPA)

Kansas rejoined the National HBPA after what the organization described as a 17-year hiatus following the 2008 closure of The Woodlands. Hamelback framed the re-affiliation as the product of a legislative shift and local commitment, saying, “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. 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.” The press materials state that Kansas’ return was made possible by legislation permitting historical horse racing parimutuel gaming machines and that live racing is scheduled to resume this fall at Eureka Downs, about 45 miles from Wichita, with expectations down the road for a new track near Kansas City.

With 31 affiliates now on the roster, the National HBPA has signaled a consolidation of representation across a wider geographic footprint. Industry watchers and members will track Eureka Downs’ fall schedule, the details of HHR implementation in Kansas, and any concrete proposals for the Kansas City-area track as the association integrates its newest affiliates. Contact the National HBPA at 866-245-1711 or racing@hbpa.org for affiliate details and follow-up information.