Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Executive director of Kentucky Horse Racing Authority resigns

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 26, 2006) – James “Jim” Gallagher today announced his resignation as the executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA). Gallagher, the first to serve in the position, will step down Oct. 1, 2006.

Gallagher, appointed Sept. 27, 2004, submitted his letter to Governor Ernie Fletcher today.

“Jim Gallagher brought to the racing authority not only the background and knowledge of the horse industry, but energy to implement changes to grow our signature industry,” Governor Fletcher said.  “We will miss Jim and extend to him and his family our best wishes.”

Gallagher was selected following a nationwide search for an executive director after Governor Fletcher abolished the former Kentucky Racing Commission and established the new authority.

During Gallagher's tenure, the KHRA adopted more stringent racing medication rules, hired more veterinarians and began implementing a new breeders’ incentive program.

In the letter to Governor Fletcher, Gallagher said personal family commitments required his attention.

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside the dedicated authority members,” Gallagher said. “In the future, I will look back fondly on the many talented people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with in Kentucky, which truly is ‘The Horse Capital of the World’.”

William Street, chairman of the KHRA, said the agency will miss its first executive director.

“Jim Gallagher has proved to be an outstanding executive director and his experience in the industry served him and the authority well the past two years,” Street said.

Gallagher had previously served as vice president of regulatory compliance and as vice president of pari-mutuel operations for the New York Racing Association.