The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has announced payment of more than $14.2 million in breeder awards from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund (KTBIF). Kentucky-bred horses won over 4,000 races across the globe in 2018, which made breeders eligible for these incentive payments. KTBIF horses won in 33 states and four countries – including the Kentucky Derby.
“As the Thoroughbred Capital of the World, the Commonwealth is pleased to acknowledge and reward the success of Kentucky-bred horses through the KTBIF awards,” said Gov. Matt Bevin.
“Last year’s incredible class of champions, headlined by 2018 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown Winner Justify, left an indelible mark on the racing world. We are grateful for all the breeders who conduct business in the Bluegrass State, benefitting Kentucky’s economy and ensuring the vitality of one of our signature industries.”
“The Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund gives us more than 14 million reasons to celebrate the accomplishments of Kentucky-bred thoroughbreds,” commented Acting Secretary Gail Russell, of the Public Protection Cabinet. “Having successfully competed worldwide, these horses help mark Kentucky’s reputation as the Horse Capital of the World.”
The KTBIF breeder awards are distributed to owners who board mares in Kentucky from first cover until foaling. Incentive payments are based on the foal’s eventual winnings on the racetrack.
The program was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength and growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. The fund receives 80 percent of the 6 percent sales tax paid when breeding a stallion to a mare in the Commonwealth. The KTBIF is administered by the KHRC.
For more information, including a list of 2018 award winners and statistics on races awarded, visit khrc.ky.gov or contact Jamie Eads at 859-246-2040 or Jamie.Eads@ky.gov.
From Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet
