KEEP Announces New Board Leadership

Lexington, KY (January 10, 2024) The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced the new leadership of KEEP’s Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors unanimously elected Shannon Cobb to serve as chair and Rob Tribbett to serve as vice chair. They will replace Case Clay and David Ingordo, who will both continue their service on the KEEP Board.

Shannon Cobb, the Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Red Mile Racing and Gaming, steps into the role of chair with a wealth of experience in equine operations and financial management. Rob Tribbett, Vice President of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association in Lexington, KY, and General Manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY, assumes the vice chair position, bringing his expertise in breeding and association leadership to the forefront of KEEP’s strategic direction.

Commenting on her commitment to the new role, Shannon Cobb stated, “It’s an honor to be entrusted with the position of Chairman at KEEP. I am eager to collaborate with our Board of Directors and the entire equine community to drive further growth and prosperity for Kentucky’s vibrant equine industry. I am committed to upholding KEEP’s mission and ensuring its success.”

Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director, expressed enthusiasm about the new leadership, stating, “The appointments of Shannon Cobb as Chairman and Rob Tribbett to these roles reinforce KEEP’s commitment to fostering industry expertise and leadership within our board. Their combined experience and dedication will undoubtedly steer us toward continued success in promoting and advancing Kentucky’s thriving equine economy.”

For more information about the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and its initiatives, please visit www.horseswork.com.

About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Mourns the Loss of Founding Member and Former Chairman, Governor Brereton Jones

Lexington, KY (Monday, September 18, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) mourns the loss of Governor Brereton Jones. Governor Jones, a visionary leader in Kentucky’s equine industry, helped create KEEP in 2004 and served as chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors until 2011.

During his tenure as chairman, Governor Jones worked tirelessly to promote Kentucky’s horse industry. His dedication led to critical policy changes and initiatives that directly benefited horse owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts across the state.

Under his leadership, KEEP worked with the state legislature to create the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund and the establishment of historical horse racing in the Commonwealth. These programs have significantly contributed to the current success of Kentucky’s horse industry.

“Governor Brereton Jones was a true champion for Kentucky’s horse industry,” said Case Clay, current chairman of KEEP. “His legacy will forever be felt in our organization and throughout the entire equine community. We are deeply saddened by his loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Applauds Legislature for Passing Sports Wagering Legislation

Lexington, KY. (Friday, March 31, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released this statement following the passage of HB 551:

KEEP commends the Kentucky Legislature for passing HB 551, which will legalize sports wagering in Kentucky.

KEEP and Kentucky’s horse industry have been actively involved for the past several years in advocating for sports wagering legislation that protects the role of Kentucky’s signature industry in the landscape of wagering options and provides new revenue for the state.

HB 551 accomplishes this by allowing for sports wagering to be offered in-person at Kentucky’s racetracks. Additionally, sports wagering will be governed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, a testament to the trust that wagerers place in Kentucky’s horse industry.

Overall, this bill will benefit Kentucky’s horse industry and community by offering new revenue sources for the industry, as well as attracting new fans to the sport through the in-person experiences at Kentucky racetracks.

The legalization of sports wagering in Kentucky is a result of the hard work and dedication of lawmakers, industry leaders, and advocates who have been fighting for this change for years. KEEP has been a vocal supporter of this legislation, and we are proud to have played a role in making it a reality.

KEEP would like to thank the members of the Kentucky Legislature for their leadership and vision in passing this important legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders to ensure that Kentucky remains the horse racing capital of the world.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Applauds Passage of HB 594

Lexington, KY. (Tuesday, March 14, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released this statement following the passage of HB 594:

KEEP applauds the Kentucky General Assembly for the passage of HB 594, legislation that will ban illegal gray machines.

Getting this bill across the finish line was an incredible effort and KEEP is grateful to the legislators who supported the bill through the committee process and voted to pass the bill on the House and Senate floors.

KEEP would like to recognize the hard work of Representative Killian Timoney who sponsored the bill. We would also like to recognize Speaker of the House David Osborne; House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade; Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer; House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee Chairman Matt Koch; and Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee Chairman John Schickel for their work on this bill. The successful passage of this bill would not have been possible without their critical support.

KEEP, along with many other organizations, worked closely with legislators to ensure that they understood the negative impact of illegal gray machines on families, communities, and on Kentucky’s legal forms of gaming.

KEEP will continue working on behalf of Kentucky’s entire horse industry and community to advocate for policies that benefit everyone within the industry’s economic ecosystem. Growing the success of the industry’s more than 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion economic impact on the state benefits all Kentuckians.

About KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

Annual KEEP Day at the Capitol in Frankfort to be Held February 23rd

Lexington, Ky. (Thursday, February 15, 2023) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that it will host its annual KEEP Day in Frankfort event on Thursday, February 23, 2023. KEEP Day at the Capitol provides KEEP grassroots members, industry leaders, breed associations, and other industry partners an opportunity to share with Kentucky lawmakers the importance of horses to their legislative districts and the state’s economy.

The event will take place from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in the Senate Caucus Room, room 269 in the Capitol Annex.

Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director, commented, “Kentucky’s signature industry plays a critical role in the Commonwealth’s economy. The horse industry and community provide more than 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in annual economic impact for the state. We see this impact, not only at the racetracks and large horse farms, but across the state where small family-owned operations breed and train horses, grow hay, build fences, and sell farm equipment. KEEP Day is an opportunity to share this story with lawmakers and ensure that they understand the full depth and breadth of the industry and community.”

Created in 2004 to preserve, promote, and protect the state’s horse industry, KEEP represents and advocates on behalf of Kentucky’s entire industry – all breeds and equine pursuits.

RSVP to attend KEEP Day in Frankfort by emailing brittany@horseswork.com.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Announces New Board Members

Lexington, KY. (Wednesday, February 8, 2023) – On Friday, February 3rd, 2023, the KEEP Board of Directors voted to add three individuals to the board:

  • Hallie Hardy – Executive Director of Horse Country in Lexington, KY
  • Kim Smith – Founder and Executive Director of Second Stride in Crestwood, KY and Owner and Operator of Moserwood Farms in Prospect, KY
  • Rob Tribbett – Vice President of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association in Lexington, KY and General Manager of Watercress Farm in Paris, KY

Additionally, the KEEP Board of Directors elected Shannon Cobb to serve as vice chair of the board. Cobb is the COO/CFO of the Red Mile in Lexington, KY. Cobb joins returning Board Chair Case Clay in the leadership of the organization.

The KEEP Board of Directors also welcomed three new representative members:

  • Mindy Coleman, Jockeys’ Guild
  • Conor Lucas, Revolutionary Racing
  • Gerry Duffy, Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club

The board also recently voted to amend the organization’s by-laws to create an Emeritus Advisory Committee, comprised of original KEEP founding members. This committee will meet annually to review the work of KEEP, discuss industry challenges and continually evaluate the relevancy and direction of the organization. This committee will hold its inaugural meeting in June.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Announces New Executive Director

Lexington, KY. (Wednesday, December 28, 2022) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project’s (KEEP) Board of Directors announced that long-time consultant Will Glasscock will be promoted to executive director beginning January 1, 2023. This follows the announcement by Elisabeth Jensen in September that she would be stepping down from her leadership role in the organization.

Glasscock began working as a consultant for KEEP in 2017. Since then, he has worked with many different facets of the organization and its mission, including KEEP’s advocacy in Frankfort and Washington, the grassroots membership, strategic planning, and the KEEP Foundation. Most recently, Glasscock launched KEEP’s Legislative Advocacy Committee, an important element in connecting individuals in the equine industry with our legislators in Frankfort and providing education and information on relevant policy.

Additionally, the board announced that Jensen will remain close to the organization and serve as a consultant with both the KEEP Alliance and the KEEP Foundation. In that role, Jensen will assist KEEP in managing board relations, industry stakeholders, and long-term strategic planning.

Case Clay, chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors, commented, “Will’s significant knowledge of the legislative process and the needs of our industry, as well as his many years with KEEP, will allow for a smooth transition and immediate success in his new role.”

Glasscock commented on the announcement and the work ahead, “I am honored to have been asked to take on this position for an organization that is so vital to Kentucky and to Kentucky’s horse industry. Thanks to Elisabeth Jensen’s leadership for the past five years, KEEP is stronger than ever and I look forward to building on the organization’s success. I also look forward to continuing to work with Elisabeth in her new role and with the KEEP Board of Directors and its leadership.”

Glasscock continued, “Kentucky’s horse industry is once again leading the nation and its growth continues on a positive trajectory. It is imperative that we continue working to sustain Kentucky’s success. Additionally, we will maintain KEEP’s focus on the labor shortages facing the industry, as well as the importance of educating and informing Kentuckians about the true impact that the industry has on the Commonwealth’s economy.”

Glasscock grew up in Kentucky and attended the College of Charleston and the George Washington University. Glasscock worked in Washington, D.C. for nearly nine years. There, he worked for two members of Congress and as director of government relations for a national trade association. Prior to returning to Kentucky in 2014, Glasscock and his wife Amy took a mid-career volunteer opportunity and spent two years serving as Peace Corps Volunteers in rural East Java, Indonesia.

Glasscock volunteers locally coaching youth sports and has served on the boards of the International Book Project, the Kentucky Peace Corps Association, the Clark County Community Foundation, and First Christian Church, Winchester, KY. Glasscock and his wife have a daughter and reside in Lexington.

About KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Commends the Department of Homeland Security for Releasing Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas

Lexington, KY. Friday, October 14, 2022 – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that it released an additional 64,716 H-2B visas to meet labor demands for FY 23:

KEEP commends the Department of Homeland Security for releasing an additional 64,716 H-2B visas to meet the labor demands for FY 23. KEEP has long been a member of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, which urges Congress to increase the statutory cap on H-2B visas to meet the demands on the program. However, short of action by Congress to address this issue, this announcement by the Department of Homeland Security is much needed to ensure a robust workforce in non-agriculture fields.

Kentucky’s horse industry relies on H-2B workers at tracks and training operations to meet the labor needs of the growing industry. The unreliable nature of the H-2B visa program is part of the reason why KEEP and the KEEP Foundation started the Equine Workforce Initiative in 2019. This initiative is working with industry stakeholders to create a talent pipeline and offer career pathways for more Kentuckians to work in the Commonwealth’s signature industry. Learn more about the Equine Workforce Initiative at: www.thekeepfoundation.org/initiative/.

ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

Elisabeth Jensen to retire as KEEP’s Executive Vice President

Lexington, KY. Monday, September 12, 2022 – Elisabeth Jensen, Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), announced that she will retire from her position at the end of the year.

Case Clay, Chairman of KEEP’s Board of Directors, commented on Jensen’s announcement, “Elisabeth has been an incredible asset to the horse industry and we are grateful to have had her at the helm during some of the industry’s most serious challenges. Without her leadership at KEEP, the industry would not be on the solid footing that it is today. There are many challenges and tasks ahead and that is why we are grateful that Elisabeth has agreed to join the KEEP Board of Directors. Her continued input will be immensely valuable to the organization.”

Clay continued, “It will be a challenge to replace Elisabeth in all that she has done for the horse industry, but the Board knows that whoever holds the position next will benefit incredibly by having the opportunity to build on the solid foundation of KEEP and all of the success for which Elisabeth is responsible.”

During Jensen’s tenure overseeing the daily operations of the organization, KEEP reached many milestones and greatly advanced the goal of preserving and promoting the horse industry’s role as Kentucky’s signature industry.

Jensen’s leadership, beginning in 2018, saw the organization expand to address new issues facing the industry. With labor shortages constantly hampering many of the equine businesses around the Commonwealth, KEEP became a vocal advocate in Frankfort and Washington for both expanding the number of visas available to the industry for immigrant labor, as well as building the infrastructure for creating a home-grown workforce.

In partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, KEEP created the Equine Talent Pipeline initiative, which has promoted career opportunities in the horse industry to students, targeted second-chance populations for job opportunities, created a horseman’s apprenticeship recognized by the Kentucky and federal Departments of Labor, and worked with KET to create an In-Demand video and resource website on horse industry jobs.

Several threats to the horse industry arose related to tax rates and exemptions that protect Kentucky’s competitive edge when it comes to the national and global horse industry. KEEP was able to fend off these attempts and, as a result, Kentucky’s horse industry has seen consistent growth over this time.

On issues related to land-use policy, Jensen led KEEP’s advocacy to ensure that land-use decisions are made locally to protect the irreplaceable farmland across Central Kentucky.

The greatest challenge for KEEP and the horse industry came under Jensen’s leadership in 2021 when the Kentucky Legislature debated the continued operation of historical horse racing. Jensen united the entire industry and worked closely with the legislature to secure the passage of legislation that maintained historical horse racing as a revenue stream for the industry, resulting in increased purses, greater field sizes, and more equine businesses relocating to Kentucky.

Elisabeth Jensen commented, “A major career and lifestyle change brought me to Kentucky to work in the horse industry for over 20 years. It has been a dream to come to work every day in an industry I love and it has been an honor to be an advocate for the horse in Kentucky and across the US. I look forward to the opportunity to focus more time and energy on my and my husband’s cattle farm and being more involved in family businesses.”

The KEEP Board of Directors is currently performing a search to hire Jensen’s replacement and Jensen will serve on the KEEP Board following her retirement. Resumes can be sent to info@horseswork.com.

ABOUT KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP to Host Horse Industry Advocacy Event

Lexington, Ky. (Wednesday, August 31, 2022) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that it will host a horse industry advocacy event at Midway University on September 6, from 5-7 p.m.

All participants in Kentucky’s signature horse industry are invited to attend to learn about legislative issues that can impact their equine business, how to engage in the legislative process, and how to best communicate with lawmakers.

In addition to representatives from KEEP and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, speakers will include Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, and Representative Matt Koch.

Candidates for contested open legislative seats are also invited to provide them with an opportunity to meet with horse industry participants and to learn about the industry and its $6.5 billion annual economic impact on the Commonwealth.

Individuals interested in attending the event should contact Brittany Bell (brittany@horseswork.com).

ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP Statement on the Passing of Jeff Hall

Lexington, Ky. (June 4, 2022) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, released this statement following the passing of Jeff Hall:

“KEEP was saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff Hall. We mourn the loss of our board member and steadfast supporter of KEEP’s mission and the work of The Race For Education. His efforts were tireless. Jeff was a true friend to everyone in the horse industry and he will be deeply missed. KEEP extends our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Jeff’s family and friends.”

ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.

KEEP’s Commonwealth Racing Challenge is Out of the Gate!

Lexington, Ky. (Monday, April 4, 2022) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that the Commonwealth Racing Challenge kicks off this week with the opening of Keeneland’s Spring Meet. This new initiative will encourage KEEP members to visit all of Kentucky’s racetracks during the 2022 Kentucky horse racing circuit.

KEEP members who successfully scan a unique QR code and tag KEEP in a social media post at each of the six participating Kentucky racetracks during their 2022 racing meets will be entered to win four VIP tickets the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland on November 4-5.

Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP’s Executive Vice President who oversees the daily operations of the organization, commented, “The Commonwealth Racing Challenge provides a new incentive for KEEP members across the state and around the country to visit six of Kentucky’s unique racetracks. Thanks to the support of Kentucky’s legislature and governor, Kentucky continues building the strongest racing circuit in the country. The Commonwealth Racing Challenge gives people an opportunity to see the depth and breadth of the circuit throughout 2022.”

Rules and regulations for the Commonwealth Racing Challenge can be found at horseswork.com/commonwealth-racing-challenge.

ABOUT KEEP
The Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky’s equine economic advocate, is a not-for-profit grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature multi-breed horse industry. KEEP is committed to ensuring Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world, including educating Kentuckians and elected officials of the importance of the horse industry to the state. KEEP was the driving force in the establishment of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has paid out more than $177 million to Kentucky breeders since its inception in 2006, and pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, which has been responsible for more than $40 million to purses and more than $24 million to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

KEEP works to strengthen the horse economy in Kentucky through our statewide network of citizen advocates. To learn more about how you can become a member or support our work, please visit www.horseswork.com.