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KY Historical Race Wagering Now at $228M

Wagering on historical races in Kentucky generated more than $3.8 million for purses and the state Thoroughbred Development Fund from September 2011 through December 2012.

Kentucky Reaping Benefits of Instant Racing

When Kentucky Downs conducts its short, all-turf meet in September, it will offer some of the most lucrative purses in the Bluegrass State this year, thanks to the success of Instant Racing.

Kentucky ADW Tax Bill Passes House

Legislation that would tax pari-mutuel wagers made by Kentucky residents through advance deposit wagering services passed the House of Representatives by a 79-15 vote Feb. 24.

Kentucky Committee OKs Tax on Account Wagers

Legislation that would tax pari-mutuel wagers made by Kentucky residents through advance deposit wagering services was approved in committee Feb. 21 and heads to the House of Representatives.

Kentucky Lawmakers Eye Tax on ADW Bets

The Kentucky General Assembly probably will consider legislation in 2012 that taxes bets made by Kentucky residents through advance deposit wagering systems to bolster the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

Some Funds Allocated for Possible KY Cup

A committee has approved use of $100,000 from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund for several Kentucky Cup races, but it remains to be seen whether the stakes series--at least part of it--will be run.

Efforts Continue to Restore Kentucky Cup

Efforts to restore the Kentucky Cup Day of Champions at Turfway Park in September are ongoing, but the return of the stakes program could hinge on sponsorships.

KTDF Revenue Decline of Concern to Panel

Members of an advisory committee that oversees the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund expressed concern June 8 over diminishing revenue for the program as well as one racetrack's suspension of full-card simulcasts.

Kentucky Assembly Stuck in Neutral

Tom LaMarra looks at the actions of the Kentucky General Assembly.

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KY Senate Passes ADW Licensing Legislation

The Kentucky Senate passed a bill March 3 authorizing the licensing of advance deposit wagering companies and a requirement that they report pari-mutuel handle on Kentucky races.

Churchill Announces Shift in Purse Monies

Effective Nov. 17, Churchill Downs will raise overnight race purses but KTDF award money will be reduced by 20% because of a shift in the wagering mix.

Ellis Park Reports Solid Numbers for Meet

Unlike 2009, when purses and live racing days were cut, Ellis Park reported solid numbers for its 27-day meet that ended Sept. 6.

Ellis Park to See Increase in KTDF Money

Ellis Park will offer higher purses for some Kentucky-bred horses under a plan approved by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund advisory committee.

KY Racing Aid Bill Called 'Life Preserver'

Legislation authorizing Instant Racing, a tax on advance deposit wagering, and a reduction in the pari-mutuel excise tax sailed through the Kentucky Senate Committee on State and Local Government March 11.

Turfway Park Adds Stakes in March

Turfway Park has added the St. Patrick's Day Handicap to its annual stakes schedule. Carded for 4-year-olds and up at six furlongs, the overnight handicap will be run March 17.

Kentucky Cup Classic to Offer Bonus

If the winner of the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) brings a recent grade- or group-I victory to the starting gate, the triumphant owners will take home a $150,000 bonus, Turfway Park officials announced Sept. 5.

Turfway Hikes Association Purses 10%

Turfway Park has increased association purses 10% effective March 2. It's the second purse hike of the winter/spring meet.

KTDF Endorses Handle and Tax Information System

A handle and tax information system was unanimously endorsed by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and will be recommended to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority at its March meeting, it was decided Feb. 28. Funds for the software will most likely come out of the $1.2 million Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher has recommended the state legislature approve in additional funding for the authority.

State Auditor Issues Report on KHRA Operations, Drug Testing

The Kentucky Auditor's Office has released reports that show the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority needs stronger financial management and accountability.

Turfway Park Holiday Meet Posts Healthy Gain

After completing its second holiday meet run over a Polytrack surface in 2006, Turfway Park reported a healthy 7.5% increase in on-track wagering and an 18.7% jump in all-source handle.

Action Taken to Erase Deficit in KTDF Balance

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has approved an agreement that erases a deficit in the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and establishes tighter accounting procedures to preclude a similar deficit buildup in the future.

Turfway's Business Booms; Up 23.6% Overall

Turfway Park reported a 23.6% increase from 2005 in all-source handle during the fall meeting that ended Oct. 5 while on-track wagering posted a more modest 4.6% gain.

Audit to Look into Shortfall in Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has requested the state auditor conduct an audit of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund after it discovered two shortfalls as a result of overpayments during meets conducted at Ellis Park.

Breed Development Program Part of Tax Modernization in Kentucky?

A Kentucky legislator with close ties to the horse industry hopes tax breaks and a breed development program are included in a tax modernization proposal Gov. Ernie Fletcher plans to push during the 2005 session of the General Assembly.

Turfway Hikes Some Purses; Big Gains in Total Handle

Turfway Park has hiked purses for Kentucky-breds in some high-level races, and also reported that numbers for the first nine live racing days of 2004 show business is on the rebound.

Registration Fees for Kentucky-breds to Increase

Registration fees for eligible Kentucky-breds will jump by 50% to 100% under a plan approved Oct. 2 by the Kentucky Racing Commission at the request of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders.

Churchill Downs Hikes Purses by 5%

Churchill Downs has announced a 5 percent increase in overnight purses for its Spring Meet races, effective June 5.