The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission today announced the appointment of Patrick E. Adams as director of
enforcement.
Adams will fill a position that was recommended by governor Steve Beshear’s Task Force on the Future of Horse Racing, but has been vacant for nearly two years due to funding constraints. A special session of the Kentucky General Assembly in June allocated additional funding for the KHRC that allowed this and several other positions related to the safety and integrity of racing to be filled.
“The director of enforcement position is essential as we continue to address the integrity of horse racing in Kentucky,” said Lisa E. Underwood, executive director of the KHRC.
“Pat’s background in police and security work and his experience with both thoroughbred and standardbred racing as an investigator brings professionalism and passion to the racing industry in Kentucky. History has shown that having feet on the ground is one of the most valuable enforcement tools.”
Some of the duties associated with the position include providing oversight and management of the Enforcement Division, performing professional-level work in KHRC investigations involving the search, surveillance and apprehension of persons suspected of violating laws related to horse racing and, coordinating investigative services at the five thoroughbred and three standardbred racetracks in Kentucky.
Adams comes to Kentucky after having served for nearly eight years as assistant director of security for the Indiana Racing Commission. He also served as chief of the Knightstown, Ind., police department for four years. Adams is in the process of obtaining his steward accreditation from the University of Louisville Equine Industry program. His appointment is effective December 16, 2009.
(KHRC)