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Kentucky Racing Industry Braces for New Governor

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – As reported by the Daily Racing Form: "The election of Ernie Fletcher as governor of Kentucky almost surely will spur change within the state's racing industry, although racetrack and horsemen's executives said Wednesday that it is too early to predict how the industry will fare under the new administration.

"…Easily the biggest issue is alternative gaming at state racetracks, which a consortium of racing interests has been pushing in recent years. The other major issue is the makeup of the state racing commission, which faces a major turnover in personnel in the coming months.

"Fletcher, a two-term U.S. Representative, repeatedly said during the gubernatorial campaign that while he did not personally support slots at racetracks, he would `not stand in the way' if the Kentucky state legislature ultimately wants to approve a constitutional amendment favoring slots.

"…The Kentucky General Assembly convenes in January in Frankfort, and it is there that the racing industry will again be lobbying legislative members on the slots issue.

"…The most important issue facing the [Kentucky Racing Commission] is that of race-day medication…"

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