On Monday, October 25, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Jockeys’ Guild entered into an Agreed Order dismissing the guild’s request for a temporary restraining order from the Franklin Circuit Court
to block an emergency regulation which contains provisions relating to jockey advertising.
The emergency regulation had required the parties to disclose the financial terms of sponsorships to the KHRC. The guild had objected to such disclosure. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreed Order, the disclosure requirement will not be enforced while the emergency regulation is in effect.
The emergency regulation also would require anyone on horseback within a licensed racing association to wear safety vests meeting improved certification standards. That portion of the emergency regulation remains in effect.
“I am pleased the Jockeys’ Guild has agreed to this timely and important settlement,” said Lisa E. Underwood, executive director of the KHRC. “The commission regards the guild’s input as essential in making certain that Kentucky’s signature industry has in place proper rules and regulations that will enhance the integrity and safety of this sport.”
Earlier this month during a meeting in front of the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Research Commission, the KHRC had agreed to delete the requirement to disclose the financial terms of sponsorships to the KHRC from the ordinary regulation.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with the KHRC,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “It provides a reasonable short-term solution to the issue. Hopefully we can build on this agreement and find common ground on other issues we face together.”
The KHRC worked with the Jockeys’ Guild, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association to improve the regulation relating to jockey advertising so that the process would work more smoothly.
The remainder of the emergency regulation will continue to be enforced, including provisions that require approval of advertising by the racing stewards, jockeys, owners and racing associations before advertising may be worn.
(KHRC)