Kentucky horsemen make case to legislators

KENTUCKY -- As reported by Bloodhorse: "More than 100 people who make their living in the Kentucky horse industry made their case to three Northern Kentucky legislators Feb. 16, and the message was clear: The economics must change or the state will lose a valuable asset.

"The group, many members of which were Thoroughbred horsemen, met with the lawmakers in the Turf Club at Turfway Park, one of two Kentucky racetracks considered especially vulnerable to competition from the racing and breeding industries in other states. One by one, they made their case and outlined the challenges they're facing given the current state of Kentucky racing.

"The focus of the meeting was legislation to authorize video lottery terminals at Kentucky tracks. The bill cleared the House Committee on Licensing and Occupations Feb. 12, and could be heard by the House Committee on Appropriations and Revenue during the current General Assembly session, which ends in late March..."