Occupational Licenses

One of the Commission's foremost responsibilities include the issuance of licenses to Associations who operate racetracks, as well as issuance of occupational licenses to every person who participates in racing.

The licensing process requires that every person who participates in racing complete and application, and that all questions must be answered truthfully.  The application is reviewed for completeness by Commission Inspectors who then forward the application to the Board of Stewards/Judges at each track.  The Board reviews the application and may interview the applicant.   The Stewards/Judges determine if the applicant has the required integrity, ability, and the right to the license applied for.  The Commission Inspectors or Board of Stewards/Judges may refer an application to the State Police Investigative Unit to conduct a background investigation on the applicant.  The Commission also has direct computer access to the Association of Racing Commissioners' International (ARCI) files in Lexington, Kentucky.  These files maintain a record of every racing related offense attributed to an applicant anywhere in the county.  The Commission provides reciprocity to other jurisdictions and their licensing decisions.

If the Stewards/Judges recommend licensing an applicant, the Inspectors collect the required fee and enter the appropriate information in the Commission's computer network.  The applicant is issued a license card that entitles him to a photo identification badge.  No person may enter any restricted area of a racetrack without a photo identification badge.  Occupations licensed include jockeys, drivers, trainers, assistant trainers, owners of racing animals, blacksmiths, racing officials, kennel owners, vendors, stable employees and leadouts.