Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) & Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders (KTOB)

Our Mission

We are committed to long-term solutions that will enable us to protect and promote the Thoroughbred industry. We strive to increase our influence on issues that impact our industry locally, nationally, and internationally.

Kentucky Thoroughbred Association

A group of Kentucky's finest horsemen formed the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) in 1983 with two primary goals. The first was to unite the industry by addressing long-term problems and representing the Thoroughbred industry on a national basis. The second was to maintain the highest standards of racing, breeding and training in the Commonwealth.

Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders

The state's leading breeders founded the Thoroughbred Breeders of Kentucky, Inc. in 1961. TBK focused on promoting and protecting the Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky. Renamed Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Inc. (KTOB) in 1980, the organization expanded to include owners as well as breeders.

This Day in History

May 24

May 24, 1905: Harry Payne Whitney’s Tanya became the second (and last) filly to win the Belmont Stakes. Ruthless was the first filly to win the Belmont, in 1867. Whitney also won the Kentucky Derby with a filly, Regret, in 1915.

KTA-KTOB News & Announcements

Kentucky Proud thoroughbreds, every day?

A two-day trial during Kentucky Derby week to promote Kentucky thoroughbreds with the Kentucky Proud logo in the racing program has been deemed a success and now could become the standard in daily programs at all Kentucky tracks.

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Immigration Reform Bill

On May 21, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744). The bill would increase border security, provide a path for unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country and eventually apply for citizenship, implement an employment verification system, and improve current and create new temporary guest worker programs. ***This article is provided by the American Horse Council.

Tim Thornton, KTA-KTOB Board of Director

Tim was raised in the Thoroughbred breeding industry and began his career working for the families’ Threave Main Stud in Paris, Kentucky. He has been the General Manager of Brereton Jones’ Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky since 1988. Currently serves on the board of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders. Past President of the KY Farm Managers Club and past director of the Thoroughbred Club of America.

New Federal Drug Legislation Introduced

A U.S. Senator and four members of the House of Representatives have introduced the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2013 to regulate/prohibit substances, methods, and treatments that may be used in racing.

Board Profile:

Tim Thornton, KTA-KTOB Board of Director

Our Mission