Recognition for tireless work on Kentucky's race-day medication regulation
Contact: Mark York 502-564-3350
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2007) – Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that Connie Whitfield, vice chairwoman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) and chairwoman of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, has been awarded the Joan F. Pew Award for her tireless efforts to strengthen regulations regarding race-day medications.
“Kentucky is recognized as the Horse Capital of the World and key to maintaining that status is integrity in our racing industry,” said Governor Fletcher. “As chair of the Equine Drug Research Council, Connie Whitfield steered our state in the right direction in the adoption of regulations for equine race-day medications and penalties for the infraction of those rules. Her leadership is evident, and she is most deserving of the Joan F. Pew Award.”
The Joan F. Pew Award, established 20 years ago, is named for a former president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The award recognizes a current commissioner, picked by his or her peers, who best exemplifies the vision, vitality, courage and dedication of Pew, who also was the first woman to serve as a racing commissioner.
Whitfield was appointed to the KHRA by Governor Fletcher in 2004. With the support of the governor, Whitfield has been instrumental in limiting drugs and medication that can be administered to a thoroughbred on race day and setting penalties for those who violate the drug policy. Before this drug policy was established, Kentucky had one of the most relaxed laws regarding steroids in horse racing.
In 2003 Governor Fletcher abolished the former Kentucky Racing Commission and established the KHRA. In November 2004 Governor Fletcher appointed members to the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council and named Whitfield as chair of the panel.
The KHRA is an independent agency of state government charged with the responsibility of regulating the conduct of horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and related activities within the commonwealth of Kentucky. The KHRA is attached to the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet for administrative purposes.
