The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is looking to get its funding boosted, as its current annual budget of $2.7 million is less than one-third of the racing commissions in the other five most active racing states in the U.S.
In a Forbes article, Ed Martin, president of the Association Racing Commissioners International, stated that New York, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida are the five other most active racing states.
"Kentucky is such a crown jewel in horse racing, it is difficult to see its luster lost," Martin was quoted as saying. "You can only drive a car as long as you have fuel in the tank."
Lisa Underwood, executive director of Kentucky's racing commission, yesterday made her pitch for more money to members of the task force appointed by governor Steve Beshear.
The Forbes article states that Underwood said the commission is seeking eight additional full-time staffers and other part-timers, at an extra $1 million cost for staff and associated programs.
To read the Forbes article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from Forbes)