15th Kick-off Banquet brings on the horsey set

The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is off to the races after hosting the 15th Kick-off Banquet on Nov. 16, at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel.

Jockey Jon Court, who won the $1 million Arkansas Derby in 2010 and again in 2011 and before that the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf, was the speaker, along with Oaklawn paddock analyst Nancy Holthus.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist Rex Nelson emceed the event.

Kyle Roper, Oaklawn’s medical director since 1998, was given the Jack Van Berg Horse Racing Award, named for an American Hall of Fame horse trainer.

Oaklawn’s 2022-23 racing season begins Dec. 9.

Bill Lawrence, Norris Sims, Jamie Sims and Doris Lawrence

Delaney Thomas, Cheri Rogers, Tony Rogers and Rick Rogers

Chuck Lindsey and Rhita Walker with Patty and James Woods

Mike Ragsdale, Weston Woods and Dan Manning

Derrell Hartwick and Jon Court

Jane and Dr. Kyle Roper

Dr. Robert Tucker and Brian Gehrki

Dale and Claudette Dixon

Wallace and Kimberly McGeorge

Maurice “Mo” Gilmore and Greg Goforth

Joanna Bartley and Jackson Bryant

Nancy Jones and Karen Young