Wednesday, April 05, 2006

"Views vary about the job done by the group, the Kentucky Equine Education Project, said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs and Ellis Park racetracks.

"…Leaders of other major tracks also said they plan to stay with KEEP.

"…After several expanded-gambling proposals to benefit racetracks died because the horse industry and other supporters couldn't come together, KEEP announced a plan last year for casinos at eight tracks.

"In this year's General Assembly, the horse-racing forces reached a compromise with Sen. David Boswell, D-Owensboro, who also supports off-track casinos.

"…Both Boswell and KEEP leaders said they plan to pursue another casino bill in next year's legislature -- even though the proposed constitutional amendment couldn't be on the ballot until 2008.

"KEEP leaders said they expect to start again with their position -- that casinos should be at tracks only -- but would be willing to compromise…"