The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission today announced the addition of a key staff member to fill a position recommended by the governor’s Task Force of

the Future of Horse Racing in Kentucky.

KHRC executive director Lisa E. Underwood said Gregory Lamb has been selected to be the supervisor of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. Lamb comes to Kentucky having served the past 18 years as an auditor with the Colorado Division of Racing events. In that position, he was instrumental in creating and developing the policies, procedures and techniques required under state statutes and regulations to assure compliance with rules governing totalisator and mutuel department operations.

“The task force created by governor Beshear gave us the direction we requested in addressing the integrity of horse racing in Kentucky by specifically naming this position as critical to elevating this area of oversight by the commission,” Underwood said. “I am confident in the ability of Greg to help raise the level of integrity of horse racing to meet the expectations of the wagering public.”

“Kentucky’s reputation as the horse capital of the world isn’t just a symbolic title – it carries immense economic gain as well,” Beshear said. “Some $4 billion in economic impact and 100,000 jobs are tied to racing and the equine industry. This administration is doing whatever it can to maintain that title – whether it’s restoring the integrity of the industry or maintaining its financial competitiveness. Gregory Lamb’s hire is part of that effort.”

The position, created by statute, has been unfilled due to funding issues that were addressed by the special legislative session in June 2009. Lamb will begin his new role December 1, 2009.

(KHRC)