FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed the following members to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority:

• Alan J. Leavitt, of Lexington, is a horse breeder and owner of Walnut Hall Ltd. He also serves as president of the Kentucky Standardbred Breeders Association. The appointment replaces Kenneth Jackson, whose term has expired. Leavitt shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 6, 2011.
   
• Edward S. Bonnie, of Prospect, is a retired attorney from Frost Brown and Todd. He served as a counsel for equine law. Bonnie received his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School. The appointment will fill a vacancy. Bonnie shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 6, 2011.
   
• Foster Harold Northrop, of Crestwood, is a veterinarian specifying in equine practice for Cheney & Northrop in Lexington. The appointment replaces Larry Telle, whose term has expired. Northrop shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 6, 2011.
   
• Elizabeth S. Lavin, of Goshen, is secretary and treasurer of Longfield Farm, Inc. She has also served as a board member of the Oldham County Equine Council. The appointment replaces Thomas B. Gaines, whose term has expired. Lavin shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 6, 2011.
   
• Robert M. Beck Jr., of Lexington, is an attorney at Stites & Harbison. He is founder, director and president of the American College of Equine Attorneys. Beck shall serve as chair of the authority. The appointment replaces Bill Street, who has resigned. Beck shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Jan. 6, 2010.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is an independent state government agency that regulates the conduct of horse racing, pari-mutual wagering on horse racing and other similar activities within the commonwealth of Kentucky.

The authority is attached to the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet for administrative purposes. It consists of 13 members appointed by the governor, with the secretaries of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, Commerce Cabinet and Economic Development Cabinet serving as ex officio nonvoting members.

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