Tommy Azopardi has been the Executive Director of the Texas Horsemen's Partnership for over 10 years. During his tenure with the organization, the THP has made great strides in improving member services and developing programs that truly enrich the lives of horsemen. Recently, Azopardi was chosen to lead an industry-wide coalition that was formed to pass legislation that will enhance purses and the overall economic condition of the Texas pari-mutuel industry.

Azopardi's background in racing came at the knee of his grandfather, Tommy Oliphant, who has been training and racing horses for nearly six decades. Azopardi explains, "My grandfather taught me a lot about racing, and I can't imagine a better person to learn from. His honesty and integrity are widely known, and his success is virtually unrivaled."

Tommy's first "paying" job in horse racing was as Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Circuit, which governed the race meets at the county fairs in New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Uvalde, Junction, and Boerne during the 1980s. He was also the first person licensed by the Thoroughbred Racing and Protective Bureau to tattoo Thoroughbreds in Texas. That job gave him the opportunity to travel all around the state and see the horse farms and meet the horsemen one-on-one.

Azopardi believes that an organization is only as strong as its Board of Directors and members. "The reason that the Texas Horsemen's Partnership has been so successful in our programs and services is because we have really talented Board members that care about horse racing and horsemen," comments Azopardi. "We also have members that give us input and feedback on a regular basis, which is critical in developing and pursuing new ideas."

Tommy lives in Wimberley with his wife of 18 years and their two children. He can be reached by calling the Austin office or by e-mail on the link listed on this page. He invites your comments and looks forward to hearing from you.

I have recently learned the horsemen's bookkeeper system, and I can now assist horsemen when they call in about their accounts. This includes writing checks, making transfers for stakes payments, checking account balances, and other necessary functions.

I feel very fortunate that I work in an industry which is also my passion. I fell in love with horse racing in 1991 after my first visit to a racetrack. I began working for the Texas HBPA in 1994 and have seen the organization grow along with racing in Texas.

I am Controller for the Texas Horsemen's Partnership and as such, I am responsible for financial matters concerning the Partnership as well as oversight of all purse funds in the state. Along with my duties as Controller for the THP, I am President of the Horsemen's Bookkeeper board of directors and Administrator of the Texas Horsemen's Assistance Fund. These three entities each provide vital services and benefits to the horsemen racing in Texas.

I live with my husband, Sonny, on a farm near Elgin and have four teenage children and an new baby girl.

If I can answer any questions you might have about your horsemen's bookkeeper account and the benevolence organization or be of any assistance to you, please feel free to send me an e-mail.

I have been in the horse racing industry most of my life. I began working for the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership in November 1994 at Trinity Meadows. I act as a liason between horsemen, track management and public relations. I coordinate projects and events for the tracks and am available year round, providing my assistance where needed