Yesterday in Kentucky, an executive order was signed by governor Steve Beshear dissolving the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

The Authority will be replaced with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, roughly half the size of the KHRA.

"There are issues facing the horse-racing industry that he's (Beshear) concerned about and they need immediate attention," Cathy Lindsey, a spokeswoman for the governor, was quoted as saying in an article by the Courier-Journal. "He feels like the people he's brought together have diverse experience and they'll be able to address these issues more thoroughly."

Beshear's decision has prompted feedback against the move. State senator Damon Thayer -- who also serves on the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council -- voiced his displeasure.

"I question the timing and whether there's a compelling need to reorganize a regulatory body that was filled with good, knowledgeable people," he said.

Click here to read the Courier-Journal article in its entirety.

(With files from the Courier-Journal)