The Keeneland Association has won approval from Kentucky's horse racing regulators to acquire an Appalachian horse track.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's consent is an initial step forward in Keeneland's plan to purchase Thunder Ridge harness track and shift its license to build a quarter horse track in the Corbin area.
Keeneland Association executive Vince Gabbert said Tuesday the goal is to open live racing at the Corbin-area track in the summer of 2016. Keeneland also hopes to tap into the Tennessee market by offering the slot-like Instant Racing game at the proposed Corbin facility.
Keeneland would still have to win approval from regulators to relocate the racing license.
Kentucky Downs, a small track at Franklin near the Tennessee line, has reaped financial rewards from offering the Instant Racing game.
