VanBebber named AQHA chief racing officer

Janet VanBebber has been named the American Quarter Horse Association’s chief racing officer, the organization announced on Friday. VanBebber, a former trainer who raced extensively in Louisiana and Texas, will oversee the AQHA racing department and be responsible for developing new programs.

VanBebber will assume her post June 23.

“We are confident Janet will successfully lead Quarter Horse racing into the future,” Craig Huffhines, executive vice president of the AQHA, said in a release. “We believe she will bring a lot to the table when planning, directing, and coordinating programs and events designed to build ownership and interest in racehorses and Quarter Horse racing in general. We are counting on her to help unify state jurisdictions on important topics like medication and welfare issues.”

VanBebber trained world champion Tailor Fit and ranks as Quarter Horse racing’s leading female trainer by earnings. She also was the sport’s first female trainer to surpass 1,000 wins, accomplished in 2011. VanBebber is a past recipient of the Mildred N. Vessels special achievement award from the AQHA.

VanBebber also has served on the board of the directors for both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.