The Kentucky Horse Education Program met September 6 at Midway University, in Midway, Ky., ahead of Keeneland’s September Annual Sale to update attendees on current legislative issues present and introduce new candidates to the Senate and House districts from each party before the November elections.
Elisabeth Jensen, executive vice president of KEEP, moderated the event, starting with Senate majority leader Damon Thayer delivering opening remarks and commending backups for helping to pass HB 607, pari-mutuel tax modernization act.
Senator Thayer discussed the challenges he is facing in Frankfort and the vote recently reached to facilitate a major upgrade Churchill Downs made Lawn Park. This includes nearly $250 million spent buying property near Florence, Ky., demolishing the original facility built in 1959, adding five warehouses and about 180 other stalls, and building a New two-story dormitory for workers in the back and many other upgrades.
The old stand in Turfway Park
“We need every vote to pass (Senate Bill 120 HHR). You can’t just rely on votes from the golden triangle (North and Central Kentucky and Louisville); we need votes across the state to back us,” said Senator Thayer. “For that to happen, we need a consistent presence in Frankfort from everyone in this room.”
Knowing who your state legislators are, not just in times of crisis or need, but also before elections, is imperative to making informed decisions at the ballot box. There are two, a member of the House of Representatives, a position for re-election every two years, and a member of the Senate, who is elected every four years.
Representative Matt Koch was present and spoke about the importance of fighting for Kentucky’s signature thoroughbred industry. The reasons he listed were related to legislative issues in Kentucky including labor shortages due to the opioid pandemic and tax issues, including the pari-mutuel tax task force — no not if this happens again, but when.
“Nothing makes a plant grow like an owner’s shadow, but nothing makes a law as good as a boot on the ground in Frankfort,” says Koch.
Republican candidates in attendance Tuesday night include Kyle Whalen from the seat of the 93rd House of Representatives; Jay Williams, State Senate District 20; Steve Bratcher, 25th seat of the House of Representatives; and Steve Rollins, State Representative for District 66.
Chauncey Morris, chief executive officer of KTA-KTOB, moderated the questions for each candidate, providing additional background information on each individual and highlighting the issues that matter most to them if elected in the election. when it comes to how the equine industry affects their future.
Senate President Reggie Thomas spoke about his first acquaintance with the racing industry as a young boy visiting the racetrack for the weekend with his grandparents, where he began learning how to read Racing Forms Daily.
“By the time I entered first grade, I was already a pretty good reader because I used to read Model Racing every weekend,” says Thomas. “I have loved horse racing since I was a child, and it has stuck with me all my life.”
As the owner of Living the Dream Stables, Thomas has continued his passion and involvement in the racing industry. He said he hopes to see the purebred industry combine the two in the future to help ensure the best for the industry over the next decade. First, he argues that racing needs to be engaging and appealing to younger audiences to help foster the excitement and thrill of racing. Second, in today’s 24/7 news age, he wants to see motorsport develop a stronger presence on major TV networks, possibly leading up to the Kentucky Derby (G1) game starting. in March to help build excitement for the first Saturday in May.
“I believe we (Democrats) will win three or four Senate seats this year. I see everything coming together, fundraising, people on the ground, people in politics wanting to make a difference,” said Thomas. “As an American, I can say democracy is definitely on the ballot for 2022.”
Thomas introduced the Democratic candidates, who took to the stage to answer similar questions posed by Morris. Candidates include Teresa Barton, State Senate District 20, Kelly Jones for the 68th House District, and Brian Easley, a registered candidate for Senate District 6.
