Dear Kentucky Horse Council Member,

The equine industry in Kentucky is in peril—and we need your help to ensure our industry remains vibrant and viable for years to come. Recently the Kentucky Supreme Court made a decision that threatens the future of historical horse racing (HHR), which has been legally operating in the Commonwealth for nearly a decade. Should HHR be banned in Kentucky, every one of us will feel the ramifications of this loss, whether we own show horses, racehorses, pleasure horses or pasture puffs—of if we simply enjoy the equine industry in our great state.

Though you may not live near the Red Mile, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Turfway Park, Kentucky Downs or Keeneland, have no doubt: The loss of historical horse racing will affect every one of us--profoundly. Historical horse racing is a vital part of Kentucky’s signature horse industry.  

• Historical horse racing directly employs over 1,400 Kentuckians
• More than $52 million has been contributed to the KY general fund though Sept. 30, 2020. HHR funds have also provided financial support to colleges and universities in the state and to equine research, among others
• Historical horse racing contributes to higher purses, creating a more competitive racing circuit that attracts more horses, owners and trainers to Kentucky; these higher purses have revitalized Standardbred racing in the Commonwealth
• Historical horse racing keeps Kentucky dollars in Kentucky
•  Legislators can take action to protect our industry by defining pari-mutuel wagering and reinforcing that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission can only regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing—NOT on any other form of wagering.

So what can you do? A few things!

1.  Email your legislators! The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) has made this extremely easy. Simply click on this link, enter a few pertinent details, and KEEP will ensure your message gets through and that your voice is heard.   https://horseswork.com/advocacy
2. Virtually attend the Horsemen’s Rally, which will take place at Keeneland on Monday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. This event will host horsemen and state leaders from across KY to show support for HHR. Register for this event here, but note: The deadline to register is Friday, January 29: Horsemen For Historical Horse Racing Monday, February 1st - 6:00 PM Keeneland Racetrack
3. Make sure your family and friends in the Bluegrass know what’s at stake. The Horse Council will be posting daily facts and statistics on their Facebook page, highlighting just what our vibrant industry brings to the economic table. Please share the posts that speak to you—it’s vital that everyone in our great state understand the ramifications of what will happen if historical horse racing is banned. 
   
   Thank you for your support of the Kentucky equine industry.