Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher today signed an executive order to create the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The order abolishes the Kentucky Racing Commission, the former agency which oversaw the industry.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is the first proactive step to enhance and grow Kentucky"s signature horse industry.  The Authority will be responsible for promoting economic development activities in the Commonwealth and governing the horse industry.  It will also work to strengthen ties between Kentucky"s horse industry and the state"s universities, as well as promote Kentucky"s horse and tourism industry.

"I am committed to enhancing the horse industry by appointing leaders of integrity and experience to oversee the industry and take steps to preserve Kentucky"s horse farms," stated Governor Fletcher.

"This is consistent with Governor Fletcher's continuing efforts to restructure government," said Bruce Lunsford. "The Governor's decision to expand the mission of the newly formed Kentucky Horse Racing Authority will benefit Kentucky's signature industry and the Commonwealth. The Authority will regulate racing fairly and focus on promoting the industry in order to help Kentucky's economy and create jobs."

The Authority will be under the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet for administrative purposes.

In signing the executive order, Governor Fletcher appointed ex officio members Secretary of Environmental and Public Protection LaJuana Wilcher, Secretary of Commerce Jim Host and Secretary of Economic Development Gene Strong to serve on the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

Governor Fletcher also appointed Retired Chairman of Brown Forman Corp. Bill Street (R) from Louisville as Chairman and Hopkinsville Attorney Constance Whitfield (R) as Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. Other appointees to the Authority include:

For Terms Ending 2005

 Don Ball  (R) Lexington, KY; Owner of Donamire Farms

 John Cashman (R) Lexington, KY; Castleton Farms

 Tom Handy (R) London, KY; Former Commonwealth Attorney

 Larry Telle (R) Louisville, KY; S.V.P, Hilliard Lyons

For Terms Ending 2006

 Constance Whitfield (R) Hopkinsville, KY; Attorney

 Dell Hancock (D) Paris, KY; Claiborne Farms breeder

 Tom Ludt (R) Nicholasville, KY; President of Cromwell Insurance Agency

 Kerry Cauthen (R) Lexington, KY; Winstar Farms

 Jack Steinman (R) Ft. Thomas, KY; CEO Engravers Printing

For Terms Ending 2007

 Bill Street (R) Louisville, KY; Retired President of Brown-Forman Corp

 Ben Walden (R) Lexington, KY; Owner of Vinery Farm

 Donna Smith (D) Lexington, KY; Saddle bred industry enthusiast

 Doug Hendrickson (R) Maysville, KY; Real Estate Developer and Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder

"I am proud to announce the appointment of these sixteen folks to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority," stated Governor Fletcher. "This group is comprised of people who embody the qualities of integrity, experience and the ability to aggressively fulfill the Racing Commission's oversight and regulatory role. I understand the importance of Kentucky's number one agri-business and this re-structuring is a proactive step towards enhancing and growing Kentucky's signature industry."

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