Ben Franklin Whitaker (August 24, 1892 – April 20, 1954) was a Dallas, Texas oilman with producing properties throughout the state of Texas, an owner of the Hotel Whitmore in Dallas, and a major owner and breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses including two National Champions. Ben Whitaker served with the United States Navy in World War I. During his time in racing, Ben Whitaker employed trainers Jack Howard, , and future Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Conway who was in charge from 1946 until Whitaker's death in 1954. The owner of horses that won 231 races, among Whitaker's top runners were: