We are now embarking on a new “feature” that we hope to continue each Monday for the remainder of 2023. We are calling it “McLean’s Monday Musings & Muck Pit.”

It’s some of our thoughts and reflections about what has happened in the horse world over the past weekend, and, perhaps over the past week. Some are good thoughts. Some may be afterthoughts. Some may call them our “Monday Morning Quarterbacking” thoughts. And, yes, some will be our figurative “pitch fork tosses” into the proverbial “Muck Pit.”

So, without further adieu, here’s our inaugural pitch (and some fork):

Thanks To Those Who Got Sports Betting Legislation Passed & One “Power Player” Who May Surprise You:

It came down to the wire. For the longest time, it was a head-bob race that reminded of the fiery battles between the great Ferdinand vs. the equally-great Alysheba. Or was it Alydar vs. Affirmed?

But in the end of this 30-day legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly, the good guys and gals won — passing legislation that will legalize sports betting in the Commonwealth in the coming days and nights ahead.

Yee-Haw.

Now, Kentucky will join every other state that surrounds our borders in allowing our very own citizens the opportunity to wager legally and ethically on the games that are authorized and regulated by the Kentucky Racing Commission. Missouri, you see, is well on its’ way to passing enabling legislation, too.

Now, Kentucky will be able to reap the benefits that so many other Americans and states have enjoyed since the United States Supreme Court ended Las Vegas’ total control and monopoly on legalized sports betting.

Now, Kentucky’s “Signature” Horse Racing Industry has another attraction to market to its’ customers and fan base and another tool to help build the Kentucky circuit into this country’s best live racing venue.

Since the General Assembly passed legislation permitting Historic Horse Racing, our racetrack community has invested hundreds of millions in building out fantastic new entertainment destinations. Actually, it is closing in on “billions” in investment, now.

Proof meet pudding.

Turfway Park is brand new and improving. New tracks are being built in both Ashland and London. Kentucky Downs has improved its’ “Mint Entertainment Center” in Franklin, and has added a new facility in Bowling Green. Ellis Park is expected to get a multi-million dollar facelift and resurrection after it was purchased by Churchill Downs last year. And, Churchill Downs is building a new hotel at Derby City Gaming; expanding Derby City Gaming into downtown Louisville; and has two massive improvement projects at the historic racetrack in West Louisville.

Dollars are being spent. Construction is going up. Jobs are multiplying.

More people are attending. More handle is being invested. More purses are accumulating. More horses and horses people are entering.

The growth has been amazing to watch.

And, now, the addition of legalized sports betting will enable the one sport that Kentucky is internationally acclaimed for and recognized as the genuine leader in will be able to take another giant stride toward the finish line.

Amazing. To. Watch.

But all this would not be possible without the help and support of the majority of this General Assembly.

Truthfully, all of this would not be possible without the tremendous help and support of some very influential and powerful political leaders throughout this great Commonwealth and this current Governor, too.

So what happened in the end of this session, when it looked as if this year’s effort to pass legislation permitting sports betting here would fail yet again? What happened to switch the final votes and gain the momentum to move the pendulum to victory? Going into the final hours, it looked as if the vote tally in the Senate was still a vote, or, perhaps, two away from gaining the needed 23 votes out of the 38-member Chamber.

So what happened?

According to our sources, again, on the final day of deliberations and considerations, there was a major pow-wow between Joe Craft (yep, that powerful coal miner and billionaire philanthropist)  and Senate President Robert Stivers to discuss the stalemate, at that time.

Whatever was said was convincing and powerful.

Because?

When the chat was over, minds had been changed. Support had been won. Votes had been gained. And, Kentucky was on the move forward. Again.

And, as some would say, the rest is history. The legislation passed the Senate on the final day — going away at the wire — and was immediately signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, who has been a long-time advocate of the issue.

Thank goodness. Thanks be to Joe Craft for reaching out; for making the call. Thanks be to Senate President Robert Stivers for taking the call; listening; and being open to change. Both of those things had to happen for this bill to pass. Had. To. And, both of those things did happen. Thanks be to all.

But the roster of folks that moved heaven, earth and the members of this General Assembly does not stop there. Not in the least. Not hardly.

And, now it is time for sincere thanks to those that have given so much time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears to get this legislation passed and now within a few months of happening.

Help us recognize and thank these. They earned our praise. They earned our respect. They earned a hardy shout-out.

Rep. Michael Lee Meredith and Sen. Damon Thayer:

There has never been a better duo in the history of the General Assembly. Never. I have known them both now for about 20+ years, and I count both of them as dear friends. But the respect for each goes much deeper than friendship. It goes to ethics and it goes to commitment. It goes to heart and soul.

Both of these people are filled to the brim. Their cup of integrity and values runneth over.

Rep. Meredith picked up the baton of this legislation this year after former sponsor and advocate, Adam Koenig, didn’t win re-election last Fall. And, Rep. Meredith worked tirelessly from Day One to Day 30. He never gave up. He never gave in. He worked to make the legislation better. He worked to compromise where and when he could. He worked. And, he worked. And, he worked.

Just like the farmer that he is in real life, Rep. Michael Lee Meredith didn’t stop until the crop was in the barn. Safe and sound.

Class act.

Sen. Thayer is a “True Champion” of the Kentucky Horse Industry. Unabashed. Undying. Unbelievable. If there is a Kentucky Horse Industry “Hall of Fame,” then this guy’s name should be hanging on the wall in both tribute and honor.

He owns bits and pieces of Thoroughbreds, and if you want to find the young man on any given day, all you have to do is look at a horse farm or racetrack near you. He will show up. He will give out trophies. He will give out handicapping tips and advice. He will shake hands and kiss horse babies. He will talk the talk, a lot and with great passion, too. But he will also walk the walk of the backside all the way to the paddock. With all walks of life. All.

The Majority Floor Leader of the Senate has never been shy about voicing an opinion, or taking a stance. Just ask anyone who has been on the receiving end of one of his Committee-room lectures. He does not spare the rod or the crop. Old school, that way.

But Sen. Thayer is old-school in another way, too. His word is his bond. Forever.

Sen. Thayer took a stance on this issue early and often. And, just like the horse advocate that he is, Sen. Damon Thayer didn’t stop riding until this horse bill crossed the finish line. First. Safe and sound.

Class act.

Speaker of the House David Osborne:

I have to admit, although he probably wishes that I would not announce, Speaker David Osborne is one of my most favorite people I have ever met, and one of the best friends anyone could ever count. Ever.

How that happened? I have no earthly idea. The man is about as opposite of me as you can be.

He is quiet, reserved, introspective, contemplative, professional, smart, creative, unwavering, and tough as the nails he hammers in the horse fencing he repairs on his own farm. He would be a great poker player. Cards close to the vest.

At most times, I am none those things. Zero. Instead, I am loud, boorish, elementary and wear emotions on my sleeve. I’ve never had a thought you couldn’t read from a furlong away.

But, over the past few years, I have grown to admire this man David Osborne greatly, even though I am afraid as hell to tell him.

Recently, when my friend, companion and cherished Golden Retriever Crosley grew ill, the Speaker would text or call to check on the status. When Crosley crossed that bridge, the Speaker texted and called to offer condolences and a needed dry ear and word of encouragement.

He will never know what any of those things or all of those things have meant to me. Just know that the Speaker means a lot to me.

And, all the things that the man stands for and does in his personal life, he does in his professional life, too. When he signs on, he signs on. Never a second thought. Never a doubt. Never have to worry about where this man stands. He sticks. He never wavers. He stands the test.

This bill to allow sports betting in Kentucky would have never happened without him. Never. Ever. Ever.

He may not ask for the shank to lead this winner into the circle, like nearly every owner wants to do at the racetrack these days. But the shank is his whenever he wants it, in my book. He knows how to lead.

Often times, those that don’t require or demand recognition, never get recognition. Just the way it goes. But this man deserves recognition. Big time.

Class act.

Former Rep. Adam Koenig:

This year’s version of sports betting would have never been able to cross the finish line without the ground work and nurturing of former Chairman Adam Koenig.

When it was near-impossible to find supporters, Adam Koenig took on the job as the leading advocate and primary spokesperson.

When it was difficult to move opinions and votes, Adam Koenig tried to move mountains.

When most would have squirmed, he supported. When most would have succumbed, he succeeded. When most would have blinked, he never squinted. And, a year ago, to the shock of many, Adam Koenig passed the first bill to allow for legalized sports betting out of the Kentucky House of Representatives.

That turned out to be a major prep race, because the bill last year never came for a vote on the Senate floor. But, truth be known, this year’s Triple Crown victory would have never been possible without that prep a year ago. Never.

Class act.

Sen. Julie Raque Adams:

This Louisville Lady has been a steady influencer and major advocate of the horse industry in Kentucky for years. And, it was no surprise that she helped count, recount, recount, and recount votes over the past two years to try and persuade her seat mates to support this legislation.

And, equally as important, she is a true friend and ally of Sen. Thayer, who relies on his best “legislative friend” from pillar to post.

As she would say, ” Jim Adams (who is her husband) says…”

And, he said this was the right thing to do, because his wonderful wife says it was. LOL.

Class act.

Democrats, Too:

The Sports Betting legislation would not have been possible without the strong, undying and nearly-full support of the Democrats in both Chambers, too, and, of course, Gov. Andy Beshear has been a long-time proponent.

Rep. Al Gentry, from Louisville, and Rep. Rachel Roberts, from Northern Kentucky, were there. Always there. Great people. Not good, mind you. Great.

Sen. Denise Harper-Angel, Sen. Robin Webb and Sen. David Yates led the yells on the Senate side.

All class acts.

Gov. Beshear’s friends, Jon Rabinowitz and Charlie O’Conner, led the charge from the field.

This was truly a bi-partisan issue with truly bi-partisan support. Makes one wonder what we could all get done with more of this around. Right?

Class acts.

In the end, the job got done.

It was a class act.