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Mark Hebert
July 2008
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Governor Abolishes Horse Racing Authority

5:28 PM Thu, Jul 03, 2008 |
Mark Hebert

Governor Beshear has abolished the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, forming a new board called the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The new commission contains many of the same members as the Horse Racing Authority though Beshear replaced Authority vice-chair Connie Whitfield with his chief backer and campaign fundraiser Tracy Farmer. Whitfield is the wife of republican congressman Ed Whitfield. Also joining the new commission is Michael Pitino, the son of U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino. Here's the release from the governor's office:

Governor Beshear Reorganizes Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, Names New Members

FRANKFORT, KY (July 3, 2008) - Governor Steve Beshear today signed an Executive Order reorganizing and renaming The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to become The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The Governor also named a new Racing Commission board, including Robert M. Beck, Lexington - chair; Tracy Farmer, Midway - vice chair; Edward S. Bonnie, Prospect; Francis Thomas Conway, Louisville; John Thomas Ward, Jr., Paris; Frank L. Jones, Jr., Louisville; Burr James Travis, II, Ft. Mitchell; Michael Anthony Pitino, Louisville; Jerry L. Yon, Lexington; Thomas Bayley Gaines, Lexington; Elizabeth (Betsy) Stone Lavin, Goshen; Foster Harold Northrop, Crestwood; Tom Ludt, Lexington; Alan J. Leavitt, Lexington; Wade Houston, Prospect.

"Kentucky's signature industry is in crisis and immediate, aggressive action is necessary to preserve its integrity," said Gov. Beshear. "The actions I have taken today reflect my continued commitment to strengthening horse racing in the Commonwealth."

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is an independent agency of state government charged with the responsibility of regulating the conduct of horse racing and pari-mutual wagering on horse racing and related activities with the Commonwealth. The Commission is composed of fifteen gubernatorial appointees along with the Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, and the Secretary of Economic Development serving as ex-officio members of the Commission.



1 Comments

mdh said:

At long last we have REAL horseman serving on a most important Commission related to a very key issue for Kentucky! I only hope it isn't late in the game for this excellent group to address the many problems that now face the industry. With a team like this, I'm hopeful we can see movement related to gaming that will lift up the horseman and again make it successful. Folks like Frank Jones provide talent and knowledge we haven't seen for year's with a true passion for the sport. Not sure Mr. Farmer can be appt Vice-Chr (while worthy) he may need elected by the NEW group per the by-laws...just for the record...Best to all now GO TO WORK!


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