The newly established Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has appointed Susan Speckert as its first chief operating officer (COO).

The KHRGC was established following passage of 2024 Senate Bill 299 and assumed the responsibilities of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on 1 July.

Speckert will assume the role of COO on 19 August, having most recently served as the Commissioner of Law for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

She previously served as general counsel of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, where she was involved in all operations of the agency and was instrumental in drafting regulations related to historical horse racing.

“I am honored to work alongside the outstanding team at the KHRGC to ensure Kentucky continues to lead in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of horses, riders and all participants as well as the wagering public,” said Speckert. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors and President & CEO Jamie Eads for the opportunity to come full circle in my career to serve the sport I dearly love.”

Commenting on the appointment, KHRGC president and CEO Jamie Eads said: “Susan’s commitment to and knowledge of the horse racing industry is well known. Her professional experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve as the KHRGC’s first COO.”

The KHRGC serves as the Commonwealth’s primary regulator of horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and sports wagering.

The new regulator continues its search for a chief financial officer and a chief legal officer.