FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2005) – The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) today recommended to Governor Ernie Fletcher that legislation be introduced to provide workers’ compensation coverage for jockeys, apprentice jockeys and exercise riders.

The KHRA, at a special meeting, voted unanimously that the state create the Kentucky Jockey Injury Compensation Fund.  The fund, a nonprofit organization, would employ licensed jockeys, apprentice jockeys and exercise riders working at Kentucky thoroughbred racetracks and authorized training facilities.  The riders would be considered employees of the fund only for workers’ compensation purposes.

Funding for the program would be provided by a small percentage contribution taken from handle (wagering) on in-state racing in Kentucky.  The executive director of the KHRA will begin a statistical analysis of the handle to determine the percentage of the contribution.

Governor Fletcher had asked the KHRA to review the workers’ compensation issue and provide a recommendation to him for the current legislative session.