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Kentucky Downs: 'Canary in the Coal Mine'

Amid the uncertainty of reception in the marketplace and a lingering legal challenge, Kentucky Downs officially christened expanded pari-mutuel wagering via Instant Racing machines during an evening reception Aug. 30.

KY Commission Set to OK First Instant Racing

The staff of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is recommending that the regulatory body on July 14 grant approval to Kentucky Downs to become the first track in the state to implement Instant Racing.

Keeneland Adds Oaks/Derby Drive-Thru Outlet

Keeneland, in an attempt to ease congestion at its drive-through betting windows May 6-7, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (both gr. I) days, is partnering with The Red Mile to add betting windows.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (4)

It may take some time, but at some point the industry will get it right.

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Clement, Sheppard to Speak at KTFMC Meeting

KTFMC meeting will feature leading trainers Christophe Clement and Jonathan Sheppard. Clement is the conditioner of champion Gio Ponti, and Sheppard trained Breeders' Cup winners Forever Together and Informed Decision.

Ohio Veterinarians Suspended

Two veterinarians attending to horses competing at The Red Mile harness track in Lexington were indefinitely suspended Oct. 2 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) pending the results of an ongoing investigation.

Quarter Horses to Make Polytrack Debut

The first Quarter Horse race at Turfway Park since 1972, and the first held anywhere on Polytrack, will be held the evening of Sept. 12 at the Northern Kentucky track.

Quarters to Race on Turfway's Polytrack

Quarter Horses will race on the synthetic Polytrack for the first time Sept. 12 when Turfway Park hosts the $25,000 John Deere Turfway Park Sprint Stakes. The race will be part of the Friday night program of Thoroughbred racing during Turfway's late summer/early fall meet.

Veto of KHRA Assessment Relief Stands

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has vetoed a provision in the state General Assembly's $19-billion budget that would keep smaller racetracks in the state from paying a daily assessment to support Kentucky Horse Racing Authority operations. Legislators on April 15 took no action to override the veto as the General Assembly session came to a close.

Kentucky Breeder Incentives Could Increase 20%

The Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, which began offering financial awards for various breeds of horses in 2006, is poised to increase by 20%--to about $18 million or $19 million--next year.

KHRA Funding Bill Dies as Legislature Adjourns

Legislation that would have provided about $5 million a year to fund the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority died in the final days of the state's 2007 General Assembly session.

Funds for KHRA, Drug Testing Hang in the Balance

Time is running out for legislation that would provide the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority with about $5 million a year and spare racetracks the cost of equine drug testing.

Kentucky Legislation Gives Tracks One-Day Tax Break

Kentucky tracks would get a tax break for one major racing event per year under legislation introduced in the state General Assembly.

Thoroughbred Art Offered at HTA Auction in Lexington

The world of the Thoroughbred, as seen by European and American artists, will be represented at the 29th equine art auction of Harness Tracks of America, to be held Oct. 6-7 at the Tattersalls Sales Arena in Lexington.

Equine Art Up for Bid at HTA Auction

The 28th HTA Art Auction, which features Standardbred, Thoroughbred, sporting, and other equine art, will be held Oct. 1 beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT at the Tattersalls sale arena in Lexington. Proceeds of the auction benefit the Harness Tracks of America College Scholarship Fund.

Equine Art Auction to Benefit HTA Scholarship Program

Harness Tracks of America will hold its 27th annual equine art auction Friday, Oct. 8 through Saturday, Oct. 9 at Tattersalls sales pavilion in Lexington, Ky.

Only Two Months Old, KEEP Raises $1M for Project

A grassroots educational endeavor launched only two months ago in Kentucky already has raised $1 million and is well on the way of meeting its goal of $1.5 million by the end of the year.

Quarter Horse Racing Set for Kentucky Return

The Red Mile expects to offer at least $100,000 in purses when Quarter Horse racing returns to Kentucky for the first time in more than 10 years July 3-4 at the Lexington racetrack.

Kentucky Senate OKs Hub, Other Industry Provisions

The Kentucky Senate March 26 passed three-prong legislation that authorizes creation of an international wagering hub, paves the way for live Quarter Horse racing, and gives Standardbred racetracks a tax break.

Ellis Park, Red Mile Dates Raise Objections in Kentucky

The Kentucky Racing Commission granted final approval of 2004 race dates Oct. 28 at a contentious meeting at which Ellis Park was granted a six-day racing week, and The Red Mile was awarded Quarter Horse dates despite objections from the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association's attorney.

Standardbred Sale Good, But Call for Slots Issued

The euphoria after the Keeneland September yearling sale posted gains of almost 30% in gross and average apparently hasn't carried over to the Standardbred business. Numbers for the recent Tattersalls select yearling sale at The Red Mile in Lexington actually were fairly strong, but industry leaders indicated the storm clouds haven't blown away.

Thoroughbred Breeder Backs Kentucky Quarter Horse Plan

With time running out to obtain 2004 dates, the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association board of directors met Sept. 6 to discuss whether to accept an offer by a Standardbred track to host some Quarter Horse races, and it also got unexpected support from a Thoroughbred breeder.

Kentucky Harness Track Wants Quarter Horse Dates

Representatives from Kentucky's racetracks submitted their preliminary applications for 2004 racing dates to members of a subcommittee of the Kentucky Racing Commission Sept. 2. The Thoroughbred schedule is typical, but there are other proposed changes.

Keeneland to Open a Day Earlier This Fall

Keeneland has received Kentucky Racing Commission approval to open a day earlier this fall to accommodate stakes that serve as preps for the Breeders' Cup. The Lexington track will open Friday, Oct. 5, instead of Saturday, Oct. 6.

Bothe 'Zooming By' Lexington This Spring

John Bothe, the former Meadowlands track announcer who made national headlines when he filed a discrimination suit against the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in 1999, has been hired by The Red Mile in Lexington to call the second portion of the harness track's spring meet.

Quarter Horse Simulcasting Request Piques Interest

Kentucky's racing industry is at the very least intrigued that two Standardbred racetracks plan to ask the Kentucky Racing Commission for permission to simulcast Quarter Horse races. But there is some question as to whether the plan will fly.

Krone Will Ride Standardbred in Record Attempt

Retired Thoroughbred jockey Julie Krone will take part in a rare attempt by a Standardbred to set a world record time while trotting under saddle.