Funding major theme of Kentucky Task Force's first report

The Governor’s Task Force on the Future of Horse Racing in Kentucky conducted its first report in a meeting Wednesday morning at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion, and while no definite recommendations were made, the general theme was that increased funding is needed in each of the areas of concern, as they relate to the industry’s status.

Established in late July by Gov. Steve Beshear, the task force has been charged with studying horse racing’s economic soundness, evaluating the effectiveness and quality of drug testing, examining the oversight role of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and assessing the Adequacy of state laws and regulations. The task force is to make its final report to the governor on or before Dec. 1.

“We are dedicated to getting to the bottom of these issues, and they are quite complicated,” said Tracy Farmer, chairman of the task force.

Subcommittee chairmen on each of the above subjects made their first reports, essentially citing the current situation in Kentucky and how it relates to the horse racing industry in other states.

“Sometimes we take for granted what we have in the state,” said Nick Nicholson, who chairs the Industry Financial Matters subcommittee. While pointing out that horse racing is a $4 billion industry in Kentucky it faces challenges from other states where alternative gaming is increasing purses and attracting horsemen who would normally keep their horses racing in the Bluegrass.

Ellen Hesen, who chairs the subcommittee on staffing and funding of the KHRC, noted that the KHRC is one of the lowest staffed racing commissions in the country.

Robert Beck Jr., chairman of the subcommittee looking into the feasibility of building a research and testing laboratory in Kentucky said the estimated cost would be $10 to 15 million, then noted that “based on the number of tests each year, we have half the number of tests we need to make it financially viable.”

Edward Bonnie, who reported on integrity of racing and all pari-mutuel activities, said, “we want to hire the best experts in the country to come and tell us what we don’t know, and to give us the details-- the “how to” function, and when we get that I think we’ll be in shape to come with some solid recommendations hopefully we can sell to the legislature and the governor.

« Back