State lawmakers in West Virginia have approved legislation that will add more funding to the industry in that state.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey performed a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 1060 April 14 at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The legislation commits additional funding that aims to provide a boost to the West Virginia Thoroughbred industry.
The bill adds approximately $1.5 million to the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund by allowing the state's Thoroughbred tracks to retain more of the revenue generated through video lottery terminals as well as simulcast wagering. It also establishes a new West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred program, which requires horses to spend at least six consecutive months in the state prior to their 3-year-old season to qualify.
"When I look here, I don't just see a sport. I see an incredible way of life for the Eastern Panhandle and for our state," Morrisey said. "I see a vital part of the state's identity that we have a responsibility to protect, to promote, and to propel into the future."
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jason Barrett, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
"Today marks a great day for Thoroughbred racing in West Virginia," Barrett said. "Senate Bill 1060 provides a major boost to our horse racing industry. This smart, fiscally responsible bill will help grow field sizes, support our breeders and owners, and ensure racing in West Virginia remains strong for years to come."
Sen. Patricia Rucker was also instrumental in guiding the bill through the Senate.
"This bill is about fixing something that was wrong," Rucker said. "It should have always been this way: that the money that is raised here stays here and gets reinvested here. And I am very happy to support this, as I do all things that support our local farmers and our local racing industry."
Also attending the ceremony were Dels. Joe Funkhouser, Wayne Clark, and Bill Ridenour, who championed the bill in the House of Delegates.
"This legislation makes West Virginia more competitive with surrounding states and enhances investment and employment opportunities for our small businesses, farms, and tourism economy," Funkhouser said. "I am thankful for the team effort in getting this legislation past the finish line."
"By reinforcing funding for purses, supporting breeding incentives, and modernizing how racing revenues are distributed, this legislation helps ensure that our racetracks remain competitive with neighboring states," Clark said. "That matters—because when racing is strong here, jobs are protected, tourism grows, and local businesses benefit."
The track believes the money will help improve field sizes and quality.
"We're extremely grateful to Governor Morrisey and the entire West Virginia legislature for their strong support and passage of Senate Bill 1060," said Charlie McIntosh, director of racing operations at Charles Town Races. "This legislation will help us attract more competitive horses to Charles Town, resulting in the larger field sizes that our fans and horseplayers want to see.
"By strengthening incentives for breeders and owners to participate in our state program, SB 1060 ensures a brighter future for racing here. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our program and deeply appreciate our lawmakers' continued commitment to our industry."
Horsemen also applauded the new legislation.
"This is a very important piece of legislation that the horsemen have been looking for for a number of years," said Jim Miller, president of the Charles Town Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. "We hope this will incentivize more horses being foaled in West Virginia. We think it will. And we're just very thankful to all the members of the legislature who helped make this day possible."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
