Who We Are

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders are action-oriented trade organizations committed to our members; we encourage and thrive on their participation and feel that united we can succeed in bringing the industry together.  Our membership includes owners, breeders, trainers, and associate members.  As we increase our membership we broaden our support base, increase our visibility on issues that impact the industry on a local, state and national level, while continuing to promote the Kentucky Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry to its highest levels.  Some of our efforts are listed below.

• Responsible for the development and administration of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) Purse Supplement Fund. The Fund has offered over $134 Million since 1995. 
• Lead the initiative for the ITW legislation, participated in the drafting of whole-card simulcasting legislation and the Breeders' Awards legislation and continue to negotiate for the protection of the KTDF program, and the enhancement of Kentucky purse structures.
• Play an active role in state-wide and national legislative matters of concern.
• Take part in local zoning issues that protect our ability to farm and raise horses.
• Instrumental in developing the Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR) in Lexington.
• Lobbying efforts have secured $28.5 million of funding in the state budget for the renovation of the Lexington Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory.
•  Worked to receive a funding mechanism for the Breeder's Incentive Program included in Kentucky's Tax Modernization bill. Special thank to Senator Damon Thayer.
• Work with the American Horse Council and the NTRA, on the national level, to protect the industry and promote positive legislation such as the Equine Equity Act, which reduces depreciation standards for all race horse from 7 years to 3 years; and provides for horses qualifying for USDA Disaster Assistance Programs. Special thanks to Senators McConnell, Bunning and Representative Lewis for sponsoring this legislation.
• Serve as an informational and directional source in equine matters for Kentuckians as well as visitors from other states and countries.
• Worked closely with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club and KEEP on the Breeder's Incentive Program to increase the economic benefits to Kentucky and to show we are, indeed, the Horse Capital of the World.
• With Keeneland, developed an international marketing program, which in 2006 brought buyers from 42 different countries to participate in Kentucky Thoroughbred sales.
• Keeneland and KTOB, working together, generated $287 million in international sales.
• Signed a three year funding commitment with the Equine Drug Research Institute, whose objective is to develop tests for illegal performance enhancing drugs.
• Help fund research and development of National Uniform Medication Rules through the Racing Medication Testing Consortium.