According to a report, a proposed inter-state racing compact in the United States has been in the works for more than a year, and if at least six states get on board the plan could become reality
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An article by the Lexington Herald-Leader has explained that only the State of Colorado has signed up to this point, but Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer pre-filed a bill in December which would let Kentucky regulators join.
Senator Thayer was cited as saying that he hopes to bring the bill before the Kentucky General Assembly in February. He also said that he doesn't like the possibility of the feds controlling racing via their own form of regulation. "The thought of the federal government and federal bureaucrats running horse racing is not an approach that I support."
The report states that the landmark legislation -- which also has the support of Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Executive Director Lisa Underwood -- is expected to be introduced in Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, New York and Virginia this year.
"I think it's very much needed," Thayer said. "Owners who race in multiple states have been clamoring for more uniform standards for years. It would send a strong signal if Kentucky's the first major racing state to pass it."
Underwood was quoted as saying, "It has been difficult for the horsemen to go state to state and have different rules. I would hope at some point to have a national rule book."
(With files from the Lexington Herald-Leader)