Everett Dobson, chair of The Jockey Club of America, will deliver the keynote address at the annual National HBPA Conference hosted by Oaklawn Park on March 4, the horsemen’s organization announced Wednesday.
Dobson, a telecommunications entrepreneur from Oklahoma City, is both a horse owner/breeder and partner in the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I’m very honored to get a chance to address the National HBPA. I’m very much looking forward to it,” Dobson said. “It will largely be around a message of collaboration, how our two organizations can collaborate on initiatives, activities that are mutually beneficial for the betterment of our sport that we all love.”
The Oklahoma-based executive’s selection as keynote speaker signals a potential strengthening of industry relationships between The Jockey Club and the horsemen’s group.
The 2026 conference will run from March 3-6 at Oaklawn Park, with Dobson’s address scheduled to follow lunch and an awards presentation on the second day of proceedings.
Industry leaders are expected to discuss pressing issues facing thoroughbred racing, including safety initiatives and the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
The National HBPA represents approximately 30,000 owners and trainers of thoroughbred racehorses throughout North America.
