Page 107 - SPEEDHORSE April 2018

Janice held an interest in Champion Old Habits, shown winning the 1998 Governor’s Cup Futurity-G1, as a member of The Girls, a partnership established by Bonnie and Scoop Vessels.
Janice partnered with Vessels Stallion Farm and others on Grade 1 winner Natovas Princess.
“I truly love what I
do and I feel like I am providing a service to my clientele that they truly deser ve.”
“. . . I get calls at 2 a.m.
on Sundays, but that’s okay; that’s what I’ve committed myself to doing. Horses get hurt at all different times, and I’m just like a veterinarian: You can get me 24/7.”
The Knorpps’ most notable partnership has been as a syndicate member in 2005 All American Futurity winner Teller Cartel. The 2005 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt is the all-time leading money- earning son of Corona Cartel.
Commission named Walt a Lifetime Honorary Game Warden. He also earned the title of Volunteer Industrial Developer of the Year, served as vice president and director of the Greenbelt Municipal & Industrial Water Authority, and has served as a member and director of the Texas Bankers Association.
Thirty or more years ago, Walt and Janice also opened a no-cost health club for their insurance and bank employees and their families. “I just
felt like it would keep them more productive
and healthier, and lower the cost of the health insurance premiums we pay,” Walt says.
It seems that in all things he’s connected with, Walt serves in a mentorship role. “Ever since my dad’s passing, says Tim Fulton, “I feel like he has taken me under his wing, kind of like a son, and has been able to help guide me and talk to me
about things that are very important to me, and give me advice. It’s something he never had to do and means the world to me that he has.”
Tim isn’t the only one who admires Walt’s ability to relate to anyone he comes into contact with. “He’s one of those people who can sit down and talk to you about hunting or horses or anything you want,” Dr. Hays says. “He and Janice are just good people and we enjoy visiting with them. They definitely have a love for the business — they go to all the sales and are involved in all aspects of the industry. They take responsibility and want to be there.”
“Walt is very easy to talk to, a very personable and likable person,” Paul Jones adds. “He and Janice are just super people and [my wife and I] have always enjoyed being around them. I admire their dedication to the sport of horse racing.”
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