With no major legislative issues looming for the horse industry in Kentucky, relationship-building took center stage at the 2025 Kentucky Equine Education Project Day at the state Capitol annex Feb. 13 in Frankfort.
The hundred or so horse industry-connected people who filed in and out of the House Caucus Room in the Capitol annex—some arriving well before the 9 a.m. start time—met with lawmakers to introduce themselves as some of the many Kentuckians who work or benefit from one of the state's signature industries.
"We have our eye on a number of bills—nothing urgent," said KEEP executive director Will Glasscock. "These are important years to build relationships."
Glasscock noted that about 60,000 Kentucky jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the horse industry (KEEP advocates for all breeds), and it carries an annual economic impact in the state of $6.5 billion.
KEEP championed the successful push for legislation in 2021 that protected the state's historical horse racing pari-mutuel games and in 2023 backed successful legislation that banned "gray games" in Kentucky. While those victories have helped lift Kentucky, Thoroughbred industry struggles in California and Florida were on the minds of many Thursday—serving as a reminder of the need for the industry to share its story with lawmakers.
Video
Several industry advocates and leaders in attendance noted that they have been in contact with Florida's Thoroughbred racing and breeding groups to provide guidance since Gulfstream Park announced in January that it supports state legislation to decouple its slots casino license from its racing license. That bill has advanced out of a subcommittee to Florida's House Commerce Committee.
Talking at Thursday's KEEP Day, Kentucky Speaker of the House David Osborne (Republican, Prospect) said in recent weeks he's spent more time talking with Florida legislators about their horse industry than Kentucky legislators as he attempts to give them ideas for a path forward. He cited problems there as an example of why it's important for the Kentucky industry to stay engaged with lawmakers.
"If you see the scramble that they're going through trying to rally their horsemen's organizations; they're a rudderless ship right now," Osborne said. "I truly believe they're going to get it figured out in time to do the right thing, but it has been Herculean."
Video
Osborne helped lead the charge that brought legislative support of HHR.
"I know it seems like we are on top of the world right now—and we are. It's because we've been able to avoid some pitfalls others have not avoided," Osborne said. "You (KEEP) deserve a lot of credit for that."
KEEP board member Price Bell, of Mill Ridge Farm, credited former Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer, also a strong advocate for racing and breeding, for emphasizing the importance of meeting with lawmakers regularly; as opposed to contacting them only during a crisis.
Glasscock noted that there is a bill that will "clean up" details in the legislation that transformed the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. He said other states have been using this approach as a model, which he said puts Kentucky horses in a position for continued success.
Other lawmakers presenting Thursday included Rep. Matt Koch, a Paris Republican and Thoroughbred breeder; and Sen. Julie Raque Adams, a Louisville Republican.
