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Kentucky Committee Modifies Whip Rule To Emphasize Suspensions, Not Fines

On Tuesday, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's Rules Committee modified the whip rule passed in June to focus on suspending offenders rather than handing down fines, according to bloodhorse.com.

The whip rule approved in June limits jockeys to striking their mounts six times during a race after the first furlong, and only twice in succession. The initial rule would impose financial sanctions with increasing penalties for each successive strike over the limit.

Instead, the Rules Committee passed a motion on Tuesday which would adjust those sanctions toward suspensions, instead of fines.

The whip rule will advance to the KHRC's Safety and Welfare Committee and then to the full commission.

Exacta Systems Announces New HHR System After Kentucky Supreme Court Decision

Exacta Systems announced today that it will introduce a new Historic Horse Racing (HHR) system in Kentucky following a decision of the Kentucky Supreme Court. In its ruling on whether HHR as currently operated in Kentucky fell within the Kentucky statutory requirements, the Kentucky Court wrote that wagering “requires that patrons generate the pools based on wagering on the same discrete, finite events.”

The Court also held that initial seed pools should not be permitted. As the Court interpreted Kentucky law and announced these requirements, the decision necessarily impacts all HHR system providers and operations in Kentucky.

“While we are disappointed with the Court's decision, we do appreciate the clarity that the Court has provided as it pertains to HHR in Kentucky,” commented Exacta Systems President Jeremy Stein. “After several years of litigation, we now have certainty on how HHR systems must operate in the state.”

“In anticipation of this ruling, Exacta has devoted several months of development time to produce an alternate HHR system that complies with the Supreme Court decision,” continued Stein. “After reading opposing legal briefs and hearing the questions asked at oral arguments, we wanted to have an alternative system in place that addressed the objections raised by opposing counsel and the various Justices, as a contingency in the case of a negative ruling. The updated Exacta system is fully compliant with the requirements as articulated by the Supreme Court, and we are excited to present our updated system to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in the coming days.”

Read about the state supreme court's decision, and access the complete ruling text here.

The post Exacta Systems Announces New HHR System After Kentucky Supreme Court Decision appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Kentucky Supreme Court Determines Instant Racing Game Not Pari-Mutuel

A Kentucky Supreme Court ruling issued Thursday reversed a 2018 court decision which had determined instant racing was a permitted type of pari-mutuel racing in the state, calling into question the future of a significant component of funding for horse racing in the state.

A civil suit brought in 2018 by the Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky against the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Kentucky Department of Revenue, and the various racing associations in Kentucky, had claimed Encore instant racing machines weren't permissible under Kentucky's definition of pari-mutuel wagering. The Franklin Circuit Court determined the Encore system did qualify as pari-mutuel wagering because money bet through instant racing terminals went into a collected pool from which patrons were paid out.

The state supreme court disagreed, pointing out that Encore instant racing customers are not betting on a single race simultaneously, and that after a pool is paid out completely it must be refreshed by the wagering authority. These details, according to the opinion, run counter to the legal definition that pari-mutuel wagering takes place with money generated only by patrons betting against each other on a single event.

“We acknowledge the importance and significance of this industry to the Commonwealth,” the state supreme court opinion read. “We appreciate the numerable economic pressures that impact it. If a change, however, in the long-accepted definition of pari-mutuel wagering is to be made, that change must be made by the people of this Commonwealth through their duly elected legislators, not by an appointed administrative body and not by the judiciary.”

Encore gaming systems are currently used at Keeneland, Red Mile, Kentucky Downs, and Ellis Park.

Read the supreme court opinion here.

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New Racing Facilities Planned for Southeastern Kentucky

Keeneland and the majority owners of Kentucky Downs have made application for a racing license and have proposed the construction of a state-of-the-art racing facility and associated track extension in Kentucky. The proposed facilities, to be located in Corbin and Williamsburg, would feature live Standardbred racing as well as historical racing machines.

“Horse racing is an extremely vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Ron Winchell, who owns, controls and manages Kentucky Downs with Marc Falcone. “With the addition of a new race track and related amenities in southeastern Kentucky, it will help to continue the momentum we have created for the state and our industry in recent years.”

Added Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason: “Keeneland has dedicated resources to this region and project for many years and we look forward to working alongside our partners at Kentucky Downs to bring this project to life. This project will strengthen Kentucky’s vital horse industry and positively impact the Commonwealth and the local communities by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.”

Officials from each racing association are working with state and local officials on a number of incentives and necessary infrastructure improvements to bring the facilities to fruition. Additionally, the venture is working with local investors to enhance the magnitude of the impact to the region.

“Corbin is thrilled to be a part of this endeavor,” Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus said. “The new racing facility will be a welcome addition to our city’s already long list of sites and attractions for local residents and visitors.”

“We are proud of the significant investment this partnership is committed to making in our community, and are excited to see the infusion of tourism, economic development and new jobs it will bring to Williamsburg and Whitley County,” Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison stated.

Each facility is contingent upon approval of an initial pari-mutuel racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

The post New Racing Facilities Planned for Southeastern Kentucky appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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