Gov. Matt Bevin Wednesday announced an overhaul of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and a revamped commission structure. The KHRC will now feature 12 members, compared to 15 previously, and features Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day and Airdrie Stud's Bret Jones.
“These individuals encompass the character, competence and commitment traits we need to elevate Kentucky's horse racing industry,” said Gov. Bevin. “We are fortunate to have men and women of high caliber and integrity willing to serve in these roles.”
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Appointees announced Wednesday are:
Frank Kling, Villa Hills (2-year term) as commission Chairman: Kling is Chairman and CEO of FK Holdings, a multi-national holding company headquartered in Cincinnati. Mr. Kling has an accounting degree from Thomas More College and is a former of the commission. Kling and his wife are thoroughbred breeders.
John Roach, Lexington (2 -year term) as commission vice chairman: Roach is a former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice who has participated in stallion syndications including Congrats and Pioneerof the Nile.
Lesley Howard, Lexington (where's she from) (4-year term): Played integral role in startup venture that created Stonestreet Farm. She is on the board of directors of the Gluck Equine Research Center and a supporter of Bluegrass Farms Charities and New Vocations, a racehorse retaining program. Howard has an accounting degree from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. David Richardson, Louisville (4-year term): Chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's Graded Stakes Committee. Dr. Richardson has published more than 350 medical articles and book chapters. He is an equine drug expert.
Mark Simendinger, Edgewood (3-year term): Former President of Turfway Park Race Course in Florence and the only President and GM in Kentucky Speedway history.
Brereton C. Jones, Jr., Midway (4-year term): Founding member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association's 2020 campaign, a group developed to educate and give a voice to the industry's under-40 generation. He's been a Breeders' Cup Board Director since 2011.
Pat Day, Louisville (4-year term): Retired Hall of Fame jockey and four-time Eclipse Award winner who is second in all-time earnings and fourth in wins.
Doug Hendrickson, Maysville (3-year term): Former racing commissioner. President of Limestone Associates in Maysville.
Kerry Cauthen, Lexington (4-year term): Owner of Four Star Sales. Cauthen is a breeder and helped develop the Breeders' Fund.
Kenneth Jackson, Lexington (3-year term): University of Kentucky and University of Louisville graduate with degrees in finance and law. He was an original member of the U.S. Trotting Association Blue Ribbon Breeders Committee, and is a founding member of the North American Standardbred Breeders Association.
Gerald Holt, Munfordville (3-year term): Horse owner and breeder.
Dr. Stuart Brown, Versailles (2-year term): His practice specializes in the area of equine reproduction. He was named 2014 Veterinarian of the year by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Richardson is the only member of the previous commission who was not replaced. The Secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, the Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and the Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development are also ex-officio voting members on the commission.
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