"I just wanted to emphasize the importance of historical horse racing to the Commonwealth," Kentucky Racing Commission Chairman Frank Kling told members of the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations during a recent meeting at Turfway Park in Florence.
Instant Racing — or historical horseracing wagering — was introduced at Kentucky Downs five years ago and has since expanded to Ellis Park in Henderson and Red Mile in Lexington. Officials say that form of betting helps increase the total amount of money paid out to owners of horses racing at a particular track.
KY Horse Racing Commission Board Member Mark Simendinger said states like Illinois, New Jersey and California that do not offer historical horseracing wagering suffer the economic effects.
"They have struggled," Simendinger said. "It is a struggle without that additional money. For us to compete it is vital for us to have the best conditions, the best purse program."
Read the full River City News story here.
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