KHRC Chair Reaffirms Historical Horse Racing Support
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Photo: Byron King
A patron plays a historical horse racing machine at Derby City Gaming in Louisville
Prior to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's Oct. 20 virtual meeting, chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz reiterated the regulatory body's support for historical horse racing, a form of gaming that the Kentucky Supreme Court recently ruled that one brand of which is not pari-mutuel as required by Kentucky law.
"I would like to discuss the elephant in the room, which is the Supreme Court opinion," Rabinowitz said. "I cannot say too much, but if the current Supreme Court decision stands, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will find a solution."
Rabinowitz said the slot-like form of gaming that has generated millions in handle, revenue, and purses to the Kentucky horse racing industry has the support of Gov. Andy Beshear and hopefully the state's legislature.
The Kentucky legislature has typically been reluctant to pass bills deemed an expansion of gambling. Pitches for casinos and sports gambling have not advanced.
"After having numerous conversations with the governor it's clear that the governor and his team are committed to finding solutions," the KHRC chair said. "Lastly, I hope and plead that this legislature is equally committed to finding solutions to this bipartisan issue in order to save thousands of Kentucky jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenues annually, and to preserve the Commonwealth's signature industry as the best in the world."
On Oct. 14, the KHRC and Kentucky Thoroughbred tracks filed petitions that ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its Sept. 24 opinion that determined the Encore Racing Based Games' system is not pari-mutuel. That decision could jeopardize a major source of purse funding in Kentucky.
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Rabinowitz's comments came at the outset of the meeting conducted remotely through Zoom as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions on in-person meetings.
The commission approved a lengthy list of routine business matters, including 2021 race dates and regulation changes recommended by the KHRC's rules committee.
The KHRC reported that during recently completed race meets at Ellis Park, Churchill Downs, and Kentucky Downs, there were 13 equine fatalities. At Ellis and Churchill, each experienced three racing-related fatalities and there were three training fatalities at each venue. There was one during the short season at Kentucky Downs.