Industry Facts

FACTS ABOUT THE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY IN KENTUCKY

In 2009, produced 32.8% of all Thoroughbred foals born annually in North America (9,402)

Employment - 52,000 direct and indirect jobs
Work force -unskilled to post graduate degrees
Average gross income - $400,000 with a net income of 50,000 (This is not about wealthy individuals. There are some of wealth, we appreciate them but mom and pop operations are more the norm.)
Total Thoroughbred sales at public auction in Kentucky 2011 $539 Million
The only state in the United States where the horse plays a significant role in tourism AHC). Lexington, Fayette county impact on tourism is $621,000,000 (not all attributable to horses).

76% of the Kentucky Derby winners are KY Bred and 8 out of 11 Triple Crown winners (KY Derby, Preakness, Belmont) are KY Breds. 74% of all Breeders’ Cup winners were sired by a Kentucky based stallion.

The only industry in Kentucky that is subject to the 6% sales tax on the raw products necessary to produce our product, the horse, and then in some cases taxed on the end product.
Stallion Fees - $16,000,000 in sales tax 2007
Feed, Bedding
Fencing and Farm Implements
Racing age animals
Yearlings purchased by KY residents (out of state residents purchasing yearlings are excluded under Interstate Commerce Act)