The Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association has thrown its support behind Keeneland's plan to jointly purchase an eastern Kentucky harness track license and build a Quarter Horse racetrack in the southeastern part of the state.
Representatives of the KyQHRA met March 2 at Keeneland to discuss the organization's role in supporting Keeneland's efforts; refining the Kentucky-bred Quarter Horse program to promote the state's breeding industry; and rebuilding interest in the KyQHRA after several years with no live racing in the state.
"I'm excited about the level of enthusiasm of our board members," KyQHRA president Dr. Richard Connelley said in a release. "We are thrilled to be working with Keeneland, the classiest organization in all of horse racing, and we look forward to having a world-class home to showcase our breed."
Keeneland in February said it would partner with Full House Resorts to purchase Thunder Ridge Raceway and move the license. The project hinges on approval–judicial or legislative–of historical race wagering, which is currently offered at two Kentucky tracks under Kentucky Horse Racing Commission rules.
Other members of the KyQHRA board are Gerald Coltharp, chairman; Dr. Talmadge Hays, vice president; Jovetta Meredith, secretary; Steve Holder, treasurer; Rick Wilke, director of live racing; Vince Gabbert, vice president and chief operating officer of Keeneland; Marc Guilfoil, deputy executive director of the KHRA; and Christina Sowders.