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Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council Revs Up After 3-Year Hiatus
25 Mar
Summary
- The Equine Drug Research Council reconvened March 24, 2026, after a three-year absence.
- A budget of $1.5 million is available for horse racing research projects.
- Funding sources include excise taxes on live and historical horse racing wagers.
The Equine Drug Research Council (EDRC) in Kentucky has officially resumed its activities with a meeting on March 24, 2026, marking its first gathering since January 2023. The council is tasked with evaluating existing research and recommending new horse-racing-based research projects for funding, supported by a budget of approximately $1.5 million.
The three-year pause in EDRC meetings is attributed to the retirement of Dr. Bruce Howard, the implementation of HISA rules, and legislative changes transitioning the horse racing commission to the KHRGC.
The council's substantial budget is derived from a 0.1 percent excise tax on live and historical horse racing wagers, alongside a 0.05 percent tax on simulcasting. Annual revenue is estimated at around $400,000, with a cap on historical horse race contributions.
Under the new chair, Bill Landes, the EDRC is preparing to issue a request for proposals for research funding in the upcoming months. Past initiatives supported by the EDRC have included studies on biometric sensors, gene-doping detection, and mRNA research for injury risk.
