The newly formed Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has named Susan Speckert as chief operating officer.
The KHRGC was created through 2024 Senate Bill 299 and has assumed the responsibilities of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as of July 1. Speckert, who is the former general counsel of the commission, will begin her role starting on Aug. 19.
“I am honored to work alongside the outstanding team at the KHRGC to ensure Kentucky continues to lead in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of horses, riders and all participants as well as the wagering public,” Speckert said. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors and President and CEO Jamie Eads for the opportunity to come full circle in my career to serve the sport I dearly love.”
Speckert most recently served as commissioner of law for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. The KHRGC says that her “broad experience, unique qualifications, and deep knowledge of the horse racing industry” led to her selection.
In her past role with the state’s horse racing commission, she was involved in all operations of the agency and was instrumental in drafting regulations related to historical horse racing.
“Susan’s commitment to and knowledge of the horse racing industry is well known,” Eads said. “Her professional experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve as the KHRGC’s first COO.”
Kentucky shakes up gaming regulation
The KHRGC was established back in March as part of a sweeping overhaul of the way Kentucky regulates horse racing.
SB299 not only created the new organization but also removed some of the control the governor had over appointments to the commission. Those appointments now need Senate approval and the criteria that need to be filled by candidates are much more specific.
The corporation is required to conduct an annual audit and present an annual report to both the governor and the Legislative Research Committee.
Bill sponsor Sen. Damon Thayer said at the time the bill was passed that the legislation takes, “a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity and prosperity of our signature horse racing industry.” Thayer asserted that the success of Kentucky’s racing industry depends on having a standalone oversight entity that does not require authorization from a bureaucratic agency.
Thayer was also one of the sponsors behind a bill passed earlier in the state legislative session which had established a sports wagering division of the commission, now included under the KHRGC umbrella.
