Kling to Chair Revamped Kentucky Commission
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Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin announced April 27 that former commissioner Frank Kling will return to chair a re-vamped Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
The new commission will go from 16 members under former Gov. Steve Beshear to a dozen commissioners under Bevin. But, in another change, a revised structure will grant voting powers to three ex-officio members: the secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, the secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and the secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development.
Bevin said the new commission structure will enhance the focus on one of Kentucky's signature industries. New commissioners include retired Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, Breeders' Cup director Bret Jones, and Ken Jackson, founding member of the North American Standardbred Breeders Association.
"These individuals encompass the character, competence and commitment traits we need to elevate Kentucky's horse racing industry," Bevin said. "We are fortunate to have men and women of high caliber and integrity willing to serve in these roles."
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission appointees announced today are:
• Frank Kling, Villa Hills (2-year term) as commission chairman: Kling is chairman and chief executive officer of FK Holdings, a multi-national holding company headquartered in Cincinnati. Kling has an accounting degree from Thomas More College and is a former commissioner. Kling and his wife are Thoroughbred breeders.
• John Roach, Lexington (2 -year term) as commission vice chairman: Roach is a former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice who is passionate about horse racing and has participated in stallion syndications, including those for Congrats and Pioneerof the Nile.
• Lesley Howard, Lexington (4-year term): Played an integral role in a start-up venture that created Stonestreet Farm, which is known for racing Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. She is on the Gluck Equine Research Center's board of directors and supports Bluegrass Farms Charities and New Vocations, a racehorse retaining program. Howard has an accounting degree from the University of Kentucky.
• David Richardson, Louisville (4year term): Chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's American Graded Stakes Committee. Richardson is also professor of surgery and vice-chairman for the department of surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He has published more than 350 medical articles and book chapters. He also is an expert on equine medication.
• Mark Simendinger, Edgewood (3-year term): Former president of Turfway Park in Florence and the only president and general manager in Kentucky Speedway history.
• Bret Jones, Midway (4-year term): Founding member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association's 2020 campaign—a group developed to educate and give a voice to the industry's under-40 generation. He's been a Breeders' Cup Board director since 2011 and manages bloodstock services for his family's Airdrie Stud.
• Pat Day, Louisville (4-year term): World-renowned and respected champion jockey who is in the National Racing Hall of Fame. During his career, Day was the nation's leading rider four times and has won all three Triple Crown races.
• Doug Hendrickson, Maysville (3-year term): Former racing commissioner. President of Limestone Associates in Maysville.
• Kerry Cauthen, Lexington (4-year term): Owner of Four Star Sales. Cauthen is a breeder and helped develop the Breeders Fund.
• Kenneth Jackson, Lexington (3-year term): University of Kentucky and University of Louisville graduate with degrees in finance and law. He was an original member of the U.S. Trotting Association Blue Ribbon Breeders Committee. As a founding member of the North American Standardbred Breeders Association, Jackson is a Standardbred expert.
• Gerald Holt, Munfordville (3-year term): Horse owner and breeder. Since the 1970s he's logged 474 races. Holt brings geographic diversity and representation from small breeders and racing stables.
• Stuart Brown, Versailles (2-year term): He was named 2014 Veterinarian of the Year by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. His practice specializes in the area of equine reproduction.