LEXINGTON, KY—SEPTEMBER 15, 2017—According to an article published today on bloodhorse.com, the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association has voiced support for a proposal by Keeneland and Churchill Downs Inc. to partner on two new racetracks.

A new harness track would be built near Oak Grove in Christian County and a Quarter Horse track near Corbin has been in discussion for several years. Both new racetracks will offer historical racing.

The Red Mile, a track where the last Quarter Horse meet was conducted in Kentucky, currently houses historical racing gaming and simulcasting operations that are jointly owned with Keeneland.

Richard "Doc" Connelley, president of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association, told Eric Mitchell of Bloodhorse he is encouraged that the new Keeneland/Churchill Downs partnership could finally make the Corbin track a reality.

"Corbin is a community that has had some hard times and this will employ people and offer top-quality Quarter Horse racing," Connelley said.

The last live Quarter Horse meet in Kentucky was held in 2010 at The Red Mile, where 5,000 to 7,000 people were in attendance.

"This really makes all kinds of sense," Connelley added. "There is a real symbiosis between Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. The best Quarter Horses running right now are probably 70% Thoroughbred. This is going to give the Thoroughbred people an entirely new market."

According to Connelley the Corbin track could offer purses competitive with any Quarter Horse meets in the country. The Kentucky Breeders' Fund has been accumulating incentive money for about five or six years and has had no means of pay out to Kentucky-bred runners.

According to Vince Gabbert, Keeneland vice president and chief operating officer, the Corbin track is anticipated to run 10-12 days between Memorial Day and early August, offering live racing on Friday and Saturday nights.

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