On October 4, LOPE Texas announced that Corey Johnsen, President of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, and Dr. Damon O’Gan, DVM, of Austin Equine Associates, have joined its board of directors.

Johnsen, an active supporter of LOPE, has more than 25 years experience as a racetrack manager and marketer. Under Johnsen's guidance, Lone Star Park, built in 1997 and now owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., has grown into a major player on the world's racing stage. Lone Star hosted the 21st Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships in 2004.

"We are honored that Mr. Johnsen will be serving on our board," said Lynn Rorke, LOPE's founder and executive director. "His expertise in the Texas racing industry will be invaluable as LOPE seeks to significantly increase its level of funding in order to place as many Texas ex-racehorses as possible."

Dr. Damon O’Gan is founder of Austin Equine Associates, which provides full veterinary care for all the horses donated through LOPE’s adoption program.

“Dr. O’Gan’s generous donation of first-rate care for the LOPE Ranch horses has been essential to our rehabilitation program,” said Rorke. “His role as a board member will help ensure that the cutting-edge care of all the LOPE Ranch horses continues to be a top priority as we expand our operations.”

LOPE Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to providing new careers for retiring ex-racehorses of all breeds in Texas. Through its online services and Austin-area ranch adoption center, LOPE has transitioned over 325 Texas ex-racehorses into new homes since 2003.

For more information, visit the LOPE Texas website at www.lopetx.org or contact LOPE Executive Director Lynn Rorke, at lynn@lopetx.org or (512) 565-1824.