John T. Ward, the newly appointed executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, has been named to the board of directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International

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Ward will serve on the board for the remainder of 2012 and all of 2013. RCI is composed of government regulators from across the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and Trinidad-Tobago.

“The KHRC has made real strides in recent years to bring integrity and safety to horse racing,” said Ward. “Being part of the RCI will go a long way towards positioning Kentucky as a leader in these areas as we continue working with other racing jurisdictions to build the betting public’s confidence in how we all conduct our business.”

Ward is a well-known thoroughbred trainer, including training Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos in 2001.

He also has trained winners in the Kentucky Oaks as well as the Breeders’ Cup. He has operated several training stables and facilities in Kentucky, New York and Florida before taking his current position at the KHRC.

(KHRC)