On Thursday (Feb. 11) the Kentucky House of Representatives passed a bill to expand the definition of pari-mutuel wagering to include previously run races like those typically used in the state's historical horse racing machines.

Supporters of Senate Bill 120 presented it as one that would save jobs and help maintain Kentucky’s horse racing industry, rejuvenated in recent years on the Standardbred side.

“This bill today is about jobs,” said Rep. Matthew Koch, R-Paris. “I cannot imagine a more dangerous time to cripple this industry. I cannot imagine sitting here today and voting to put more families on unemployment.”

According to Lexington Herald-Leader, Gov. Andy Beshear will likely sign the bill. He said the bill's passage ensures that Kentucky's "signature Thoroughbred industry remains strong.

"In working toward the passage of this bill, each of our major tracks committed to enacting a more fair and equitable tax structure this session," Beshear continued. "This is what can happen when we stop fighting and work together."

In a statement released on Friday (Feb. 12) the Kentucky Harness Association applauded the Kentucky House of Representatives for the passage of Senate Bill 120.

“We greatly appreciate the countless hours of hard work by the members of the Kentucky House and Senate and their continued dedication to the horse industry in Kentucky. To see and be part of a united front in working diligently to fight for Kentucky’s signature industry was refreshing in these challenging times. Passage of this historical horse racing bill enables Kentucky to remain the Horse Capital of the World,” said Bob Brady, President of the KHA.

“Although it is impossible to give proper recognition to every person and organization that came together to make passage of this bill possible, the KHA wants to give special thanks to Marc Guilfoil, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, a life-long advocate for harness racing in Kentucky, and his wife Elisabeth Jensen, Executive Vice President of KEEP (Kentucky Equine Education Project), for the countless hours of time and dedication to making this happen,” says Bob Brady. “Marc and Elisabeth have a unique ability to work cooperatively throughout all aspects of the horse industry to make Kentucky the special place that it is,” continues Brady.

According to the KHA, historical horse racing “fuels Kentucky’s signature horse industry, strengthens purse money for racing, provides valuable jobs and generates millions in tax revenue to benefit investments across the Commonwealth. The revitalized Kentucky Sire Stakes Program, enhanced Kentucky Proud Series (formerly fair racing) and the exciting new Kentucky Stallion Bonus Program are all a direct result of the growth of historical horse racing in recent years.”

The Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s Association also issued a statement on Friday, thanking "the legislators who voted YES on this bill. Also, thank you to everyone that reached out to let them know how important this bill was to the horse industry. Its passage will certainly continue to grow our industry. In Standardbred racing it has already helped fuel our purses, add race tracks, grow our fair program, add money and legs to the Kentucky Sire Stakes program, along with bringing more mares to board at our farms, and a new stallion bonus has added quality stallions."

As a result of the ruling, The Red Mile will reopen tomorrow (Feb. 13) at 10:00 a.m.

The Herald-Leader also noted that the bill could end up back in court pending a legal challenge of the bill's language by the Family Foundation.