Here and There...

Veteran journalist Billy Reed has been hired by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, where he will be working mainly with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. Under Gov. Ernie Fletcher's reorganization, the racing authority replace the previous racing commission and was placed under the environmental/public protection cabinet. Reed, 60, has been a reporter/columnist for the Louisville Courier-Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader and has written for Sports Illustrated magazine... The Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Winners Federation have entered into a working relationship to coordinate their efforts in several areas to improve the lives of backstretch workers across North America. The working relationship's initial period extends to the end of 2004 and can be renewed. The organizations will maintain their own structures and officers, and they will undertake joint projects and initiatives to better coordinate services to the backstretch community on a continent-wide level, according to a statement released by the two organizations. Among the proposed initiatives are joint conferences and educational conferences where chaplains and Winners Federation-affiliated counselors can share their knowledge and experiences. Meanwhile, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America was presented with the William H. May Award by the Association of Racing Commissioners International during their awards luncheon in New Orleans Louisiana on Friday, April 2. Presented during RCI's annual convention, the award is given annually for outstanding achievement and meritorious service to the horse racing industry.