NEWS RELEASE
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2016) – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) announced today the release of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Funds, totaling more than $10.5 million on nearly 4,000 races. KTBIF horses won 260 graded races in the U.S. and 31 group pattern races in Canada, England, France and Ireland. 2015 was a successful year for Kentucky-breds with the biggest highlight coming from Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who also went on to capture the Breeders’ Cup Classic, creating history’s first grand slam winner. For the first time, Darley tops the list with 91 wins—including wins at three Kentucky racetracks.
“Kentucky’s horse heritage and tradition is a critical source of jobs, investment and tourism for the Commonwealth,” said Governor Bevin. “Our Kentucky-bred horses race all over the world and this program acknowledges the depth and scope of their global success. I am honored to recognize Kentucky breeders for their accomplishments and contributions to the many, many people whose livelihoods rely on a vibrant horse industry.”
The KTBIF was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength & growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. The funding source is 80 percent of the 6 percent sales tax paid when breeding a stallion to a mare in Kentucky. The KTBIF requires the mare to board in Kentucky during the entire gestation and the resulting foal will be eligible for breeder awards based on the foal’s eventual earnings at the racetrack. Since the inception, over $118 million has been distributed to Kentucky breeders for winning eligible races worldwide. The KTBIF is administered by the KHRC. For more information, including a list of 2015 award winners and statistics on races awarded, visit http://khrc.ky.gov or contact Jamie Eads at 859-246-2040 or Jamie.Eads@ky.gov.