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

September 24

Sept. 24, 1943: The Jockey Club announced the creation of The Jockey Club Foundation, which was established to aid indigent members of the racing community.

KTA-KTOB News & Announcements

WNV in Kentucky Horses: Four More Cases Confirmed

Four more Kentucky horses have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), E.S. Rusty Ford, equine operations consultant for the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s Office, said in a statement Sept. 20. There are now six confirmed cases of WNV in Kentucky horses this year.

Cleaning Out the Ole’ Muck Pit: “Horseshoes Up”

Every so often, we will be addressing a few things: comments, decisions, people, whatever that – for one reason or another – should be tossed into the literary “muck pit.”

Churchill Downs to Add a Rooftop Garden

Track owner Churchill Downs Incorporated has announced plans for a $5 million capital investment that will expand the Starting Gate Suites through the construction of a new 20,000-square-foot rooftop garden which will deliver a unique hospitality experience with exclusive sightlines and access for more than 500 ticketed guests.

Kentucky commission posts notice on racetrack licenses

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday posted a notice on its website stating that it was accepting applications for “new and renewal association licenses” in the state, at a time when some gambling interests are eyeing the two available racetrack licenses allowed under law.

Board Profile:

Chris Baker, KTA-KTOB Board of Director

Chris Baker is a 30-year industry veteran with international expertise in multiple facets of the Thoroughbred business. The 1986 University of Maryland graduate initially worked in the broodmare, stallion and racing divisions at Lane's End Farm. He then headed overseas, learning the training craft in racing jurisdictions as varied as England, Australia, and New Zealand. Repatriated to California, Chris was an assistant trainer to Hall of Famers Neil Drysdale and Richard Mandella, working with such Champions as A.P. Indy, Kotashaan, and Phone Chatter, before training on his own. A return to farm management eventually brought Chris to Ned Evans' Spring Hill Farm in Virginia, where he served as General Manager for 11 years until that operation dispersed in 2011. During his tenure, Spring Hill produced more than 100 stakes winners and was twice honored as TOBA's National Breeders of the Year. Chris then served as General Manager at WinStar Farm before joining Three Chimneys in December, 2013.

Our Mission