Jim Watkins has been involved in thoroughbred racing nearly his entire life. As a young boy, he accompanied his father and older brothers to the track and fell in love with horses and the sport of racing. Licensed first as an owner in 1987,  he became a trainer in 2004 and currently trains a stable of approximately 30 horses. Highly dedicated to our industry and the horsemen and women who comprise it, he leads our organization as President, re-elected from his term in 2019. He has served on the board in 5 previous terms and currently also serves on the National HBPA Executive Committee.