KHRC chair resigns; historic racing for Turfway

At what ended up Kentucky Horse Racing Commission chairman Bob Beck's final meeting Tuesday -- Beck announced his resignation effective Dec. 8 at its close -- the KHRC approved a measure appropriate for its outgoing leadership.

Turfway Park can now install 250 historical racing machines, becoming the fourth track in Kentucky approved. Officials in Florence, Ky., don't have a timetable to open their parlor, similar to ones at Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park and more recently Lexington's Red Mile.

But according to agenda materials, the additions are expected to create 30-35 full-time or equivalent jobs while boosting Turfway's purses. Rock Gaming will provide terminals for the 10,000-square-foot facility, still in early stages of its design.

Beck, a lawyer first appointed to oversee Kentucky's racing and pari-mutuel regulator in 2008 by Gov. Steve Beshear, helped bring slot-like historical racing machines to the state. Patrons can wager on races that have already run, and in faster fashion than via a live racing card.

Since September of 2011, more than $1.2 billion has been wagered at three tracks in Kentucky, with $11.2 million of that going toward purses for live racing.

“This incredible opportunity to serve with a number of excellent industry leaders who are fellow members of the commission has helped re-establish Kentucky as the leader in Thoroughbred breeding and racing throughout the world,” Beck said in a news release. “I want to thank Gov. Beshear for his support and vision as we have enacted numerous pieces of key legislation and regulations that will serve the industry well for years to come.”

The end of Beck's service coincides with Beshear's exit from office. Beck's term ran through June 30, 2017. Gov.-elect Matt Bevin will name a successor.

“Bob has led the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission through a difficult period, initially, when the fate of the horse industry in Kentucky was perilous," Beshear said. “His leadership and determination are big reasons why Kentucky’s signature industry is once again flourishing.”