Adam Koenig has been named Executive Director of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association.

© Legislator Profile

ASHLAND, KY–JANUARY 25, 2023–Adam Koenig, who spent more than a decade fighting to improve the horse racing industry through changes to wagering and other revenue-generating steps, has been named the first Executive Director of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association.

The decision to appoint an Executive Director comes as the group works with Revolutionary Racing Kentucky to build the Commonwealth's first Quarter Horse track and equine facility, in Boyd County.

"Rep. Koenig spent many years helping Kentucky's horse racing industry and we are grateful he will continue that work in this new role," said Dr. Richard Connelley, KQHRA President. "He brings unmatched leadership and relationships that will help us take the biggest step in our history."

Koenig, an Erlanger resident, was an eight-term state legislator first elected to represent the 69th House District in 2006. There, he was the longtime chair of the Licensing, Occupations and Administration Regulations Committee, where he oversaw all gaming issues.

He carried the Historic Horse Racing bill through the House of Representatives and co-chaired the Pari-Mutuel Task Force in 2021, ultimately helping to modernize those laws, including penny breakage. Through that work, he developed strong and trusted relationships with horse owners and with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. He also brings decades of experience in planning and economic development, a background that will be utilized as the $55 million project begins this year.

"We have made great strides in making Kentucky the best place to race and breed in the world," he said. "The missing piece has been Quarter Horses, so to be part of the beginning of that is truly exciting."

The KQHRA represents thousands of Quarter Horse owners across Kentucky. Historically, those owners have been forced to take their horses out of state to compete. With the new race track, they will be able to race in their home state, while attracting out-of-state Quarter Horse owners and keeping those revenues in Kentucky.

Koenig will be tasked with leading the organization's day-to-day operations and serving as the lead point of contact for legislators, regulators and others.

"I have come to truly love horse racing in the last 16 years," Koenig added. "I have spent that time fighting for the industry and while I haven't previously worked directly in it, I believe my relationships in the Legislature, as well as with the KHRC, will be very helpful for horse owners. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure Quarter Horses have a bright future here."