The head of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association says losses in the equine industry in 2020 were manageable. Chauncey Morris says the commercial breeding market ended up down cumulatively 25%. He says Kentucky’s live racing product year over year is down 14.5%. But, Morris added the Commonwealth’s racing is maintaining the highest field size in the U.S.
Even with coronavirus vaccination underway, Morris admitted it’s too soon to say racing will resume fully with fans next summer. “That’s an unknown currently. The race tracks have been incredibly responsible and are not going to take any un-necessary risks to either primarily their employees or to the fans. So, if it can be safely, absolutely,” said Morris.
On the equine industry priority list right now, says Morris, is seeking legislative approval to define pari-mutuel betting to allow for the use of all machines associated with historical racing gambling.
The Kentucky Supreme Court in September ruled historical horse racing terminals are illegal. The Kentucky Family Foundation argued before the court the machines do not constitute legal pari-mutuel wagering under current law.
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