Kansas HBPA Announces Board of Directors

The Kansas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA) announces its confirmed inaugural Board of Directors. Every board member is an active horse owner, breeder, or trainer who intends to participate at Eureka Downs. Together, they represent the breeds and horsemen expected to fill future entries at the track — a significant majority of whom will travel from neighboring states, reflecting the regional draw that has long defined Eureka Downs.

CONFIRMED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff Wyrick  —  President, KHBPA
Ralph Lilja  —  Vice President, Kansas Thoroughbred Association (KTA)
Pam Davis  —  Secretary/Treasurer
Star Veh  —  Owner/Trainer; KTA Board Member
Jamie Howard  —  National President-Elect, American Paint Horse Association (APHA)
Tom Scheckle  —  Advisor, AQHA Members; Quarter Horse Owner/Breeder; Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee
Sonja Berry  —  Oklahoma Appaloosa Horse Club (OApHC)

Arabian breed representation is actively being finalized and will be announced in the near future.

“This board is built from the horsemen and women who will actually be on the track. They come from across the region, they know what it takes to compete, and they are committed to making future racing at Eureka Downs a place worth shipping to.”
— Jeff Wyrick, President, KHBPA

“Every major racing breed will have a voice at Eureka Downs. We are building this organization for every horseman and woman — from Kansas and across the region — who is ready to bring their horses and race.”
— Peach Madl, Executive Director, KHBPA

Eureka Downs, operated by the Greenwood County Fair Association (GCFA) in Eureka, Kansas, is targeting a live parimutuel mixed-breed race meet in October 2026 — the first future live racing at the facility in approximately 18 years. The KHBPA will represent horsemen in future purse negotiations, horsemen’s agreements, and track operations, and will coordinate with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) as the meet date approaches.

The KHBPA is an affiliate of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (National HBPA).