(The Speaker, David Osborne, and Geno watch a race at Churchill Downs)

As we approach the beginning of a New Year, I am going to pledge to myself, and you, too, that I will try to keep these shorter (good luck, Gene) and to offer them more often (good luck, reader).

I hope they will spur some “thoughts” from and by you, too, and help promote some ideas to help improve the greatest sport ever created. OUR game.

So here’s your seeds for today:

It’s Time — Past Time — to Honor Kentucky Legislative & Thoroughbred Leader David Osborne:
I’ll start this little opinionated jaunt out with a disclaimer:
David Osborne, who just so happens to currently serve as the Kentucky Speaker of the House of Representatives, is a dear friend of mine. Whether or not I am a friend of his — or not — is a matter that you will have to ask him. For the most part, it’s not in his best interest to admit that in public. I tell him that. All the time.
But, to be frank, it really doesn’t matter if he acknowledges or not. I love and respect the man. More than he will ever know.
I love him for who he is. For what he has done. And, what I hope he continues to do for many years into the future.
I respect him for how he does it, too. His style of professionalism, and class. Unlike the person — who currently resides in the White House of Washington — I have never seen or heard our David Osborne be disrespectful to others. Even if he disagrees vehemently. I have never heard or seen him demean another person in public, or ridicule others, who simply may disagree on opinion or public policy.
He is a leader not because he calls himself one, and demands others to acknowledge it.
He is a leader because he is one who people want to follow, and do so willingly because they agree to do so faithfully.
I tell David Osborne all the time that Kentucky is so very fortunate and lucky to have someone of his character, caliber, education and ethics to donate his time to help set the direction of our great Commonwealth now and into the future.
It is not an easy job, and one that I have some sense of understanding, too. You see, for about 30 years, I lobbied the Kentucky General Assembly and the highest ranks of the Executive Branch, as well. During that time, I was lucky enough to know — and become friends — with many elected officials and some of the best to ever serve this Commonwealth.
I learned, first hand, that it was not an easy job. Not if you wish and want to be successful. I’ve seen first hand how the stress causes pain and suffering. I’ve witnessed the troubles write their lines on the faces.
Try convincing 99 others in the House of Representatives, alone, that a “thought” or a “piece of legislation” is the right thing to do. Just try. Call up 99 of your best friends and see how far you get. I bet you can’t get the majority of them to just say grace, even if you ask for their prayers.
It is not a glamorous job, either. Just think for a second about it. There are no parades to lead. There is no one there to open any doors before you. There are no cheers or standing ovations. There is no reward for spending so many days and nights away from home, just to try to help others. There are truly no words to explain why you do it to your family, either. Just a hope that they understand that you see things that need fixing and you want to try to make a difference.
And, without question, it is not a job where anyone is going to give you much credit; but everyone will give you all the blame.
Want that job?
We are so damn lucky to have a person who is willing to do it, and who is damn good at it, at the same time. Kentucky — as a whole — is damn lucky. Our neighbors, friends and foes, alike, are damn lucky.
And, those of us who are in the horse industry — whether it be in Kentucky or the world around us — are even more lucky to have a person of David Osborne’s character, knowledge, foresight and leadership, too.
When David Osborne first left his beautiful farm and Thoroughbred operation in Oldham County, near Louisville, in 2005, to spend a few weeks of his life in Frankfort, KY, he joined the Kentucky House of Representatives as a member of the minority party.
At that time, the Kentucky House was led by the Democrats and by a few of my best friends — including the likes of Speaker Greg Stumbo and former Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins.
It was then I made my first introduction to “Ozzie,” who many of us like to call him, if we don’t use the more formal moniker of “Speaker.”  I wanted to know this horse man. I needed to know this horse man. After all, I made my living lobbying these guys. I had a vested interest in knowing them.
It didn’t take me long to recognize that this guy was not your normal person seeking a legislative seat, or to serve in public office. He was smarter than the average bear. He was friendly and classy, even to those of us he knew saddled up on the other side of the barn. And, he was determined and driven, in a very calm and non-assuming manner.
In other words, it was easy to see why this man had a real future of succeeding in a world where success is not easily obtained. Especially when you are in the minority party.
Well, skipping forward a generation, David Osborne and his friends didn’t stay in the minority for long. And, David Osborne didn’t stay or stand quietly in the background for very long, either.
In January of 2019, Ozzie was selected and elected by his peers to become the highest ranking member of the Kentucky House of Representatives — Speaker of the House. And, he has held onto that position ever since. With dignity.
There are many accomplishments that David Osborne has been instrumental in guiding through the political process. Too many to mention. Too many to debate. Too many to salute. Too many to acknowledge in detail.
But there is no doubt about one thing.
The Horse Industry in Kentucky — one of our signature industries and one of the few things that Kentucky is known for all over this world of ours — is the best that it has ever been since the first stallions were moved here from Virginia to escape the perils of the Civil War.
The best.
Ever.
Just consider these facts:
One…
After the first 8 days of live racing at Turfway Park (well 7 days and one postponement to this coming Sunday), Turfway Park, formerly known as “The Old Latonia,” has had a total of 865 horses entered for the first 66 races.
That is an astonishing average off 13.1 horses per race.
Two…
A maiden special weight race has a purse of $100,000, with $53,000 coming from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. If you own and race a Kentucky-bred? Who can win? Congratulations.
On the other hand, Gulfstream Park — which is in the midst of its’ “Championship Meet” — offers a purse of $70,000 for MSW. Of that, $20,000 goes to Florida-breds. So if you have a Kentucky-bred, you are racing for a purse of $50,000. I’m no good at math. Just ask my sister, a math teacher for over 40 years. But that’s about half, isn’t it?
If you look at Tampa Bay Downs? Don’t even get me started. The purse is about $32,000 for a non Florida-bred.
See why there are 13.1 horses entered per race at Turfway Park?
Three…
To counter-act the flood of horses to Kentucky, Gulfstream Park recently made two onerous and ridiculous changes to their stall applications and claiming ranks.
First, in order to ship out of Gulfstream Park to race anywhere else, a trainer must — shall — get prior approval from Gulfstream Park racing office. Ugh.
Secondly, if you claim a horse at Gulfstream Park, you are now required to race only there for the next 60 days (used to be 40), or, the end of the meet, ‘”whichever is longer.” Well, the “longer,” right now is the end of the meet. So “jail time” is now about, oh, 5 months or so. Ugh-ly.
Four…
There is not a stall at any Kentucky racetrack or Kentucky training center that is open. Each and every one is filled with a horse. A horse ready to run in Kentucky. At a Kentucky racetrack.
While racing jurisdictions all over this country are having difficulty filling races…while the Stronach Family has contributed to the ruination of live racing in California, already closing Golden Gate in northern part of the state…while Belinda Stronach has attempted to steal all the money from its’ gaming operation and exclude any of it to help promote the purse structure at Gulfstream Park by proposing legislation last year…and…while the Stronachs have deserted efforts to help restore historic Pimlico Park in Maryland…
Kentucky has triumphed. Like never before.
Purses are at a record high.
Incentives are at a record high.
Entries are off the chart — especially at Turfway Park, right now, when the average temperature would make Santa Claus’ teeth chatter.
On the last Saturday of its’ recent meet, Churchill Downs — along with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund — gave out $350,000 to those who bred horses on that special day of racing known as the “Stars of Tomorrow” program.
Kentucky Downs currently has the highest purse distribution of any track in the country.
Keeneland — which will host the upcoming Breeders’ Cup of 2026 — continues to shine as a sparkling location, with new renovations to its’ paddock and main entrance area.
Ellis Park, now owned by Churchill Downs, has a new Historic Horseracing Facility in adjacent Davies County and will increase purses again in 2026.
Churchill Downs is one of the most successful and historic racing venues in the entire free world. So much so that the G1 Kentucky Oaks will be aired on national television in 2026 in prime time; that’s the first time in history of the sport.
And, Turfway Park — the old Latonia, which is now owned by Churchill Downs, as well — is now achieving records that nobody, in their right mind, ever thought was possible. Ever.
A few years ago, while attending the Jeff Ruby Steaks, and while sitting with The Speaker and his lovely wife, Lori, we had to exit the tent area and were instructed to relocate to a condemned part of the grandstand for “safety reasons.” Seriously. We had to cut the yellow caution tape out of the way to sit down in an area someone thought was better than the tent, which was beginning to be uprooted.
Now, there is a brand new facility and a brand new excitement about Thoroughbred racing in the entire area and the entire state.
Kentucky is the best. Bar none.
And, there’s a simple reason why, too.
Look no farther than David Osborne.
Along with some great friends in the General Assembly — like former Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer; like Licensing & Occupations Chair Matt Koch; like former State Representative Adam Koenig; like Rep. Tom Smith, from Laurel County; like Jason Nemes, from Jefferson County; like so many others — David Osborne has guided, navigated, pushed, pulled and passed legislation that has answered all our prayers in the horse industry.
Like no other time in history.
He was able to get Historic Horseracing legislation adopted and passed.
He was able to get legal Sports Betting passed and adopted.
He was able to put both of these amazing new revenue sources under the governance of the former Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and under the supervision of the tracks.
He was able to put legislative language in any and all bills that forced part of the revenues to support programs like the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Fund, too.
He was able to put legislative language in any and all bills that completely rebuilt the Standardbred industry in the Commonwealth, as well, and helped create two new racetracks in rural parts of the state.
David Osborne — not single-handily, of course — has led this.
David Osborne — not by himself, without doubt — has orchestrated this.
David Osborne — who will never say a word about it or announce it, in any way — has gotten this done.
So, while Stuart Janey — of the world-renown of self-acclaimed people in The Jockey Club — may decide to give themselves an undeserving award of lifetime achievement at the Eclipse Awards…
So, while Mike Repole — who will tell anyone and everyone who will sit still long enough to hear — that he is the smartest person to ever own a horse and should be proclaimed as the “King of the Industry,”…
So, while the Kentucky Derby Museum may decide to honor worthwhile people like Pat Day, who has helped so many throughout the years…
So, while the Kentucky Owners Association may decide to rightfully honor one of the best horse trainers in history in Hall of Famer Bill Mott…
So, while the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association may be deciding on just who to honor at its’ upcoming National Convention in 2026…
This horse industry of Kentucky — and the horse industry of the entire world, for that matter — should do the right thing, and do it right now.
It should pay attention.
It should pay homage.
It should pay respect.
It should, at the very least,  say thank you.
To David Osborne.
This man deserves it. This man has earned it. This horse owner and breeder has won it, already.
David and Lori Osborne breed horses, and I’m sure every time a baby hits the ground they dream and, somewhere in their heart, believe that this one just may be “The One.”
“The One” to win the Kentucky Derby.
“The One” to win the Kentucky Oaks.
“The One” to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“The One” to change the entire world of Thoroughbreds.
That’s why we do this. Right?
Well, I hope and pray that day does come. For the Osbornes. For me, too.
But if that day never comes, the Osbornes have done something just as remarkable as all of that. And, more.
They have saved the entire horse industry in Kentucky.
They have created an economic model that has made the Kentucky horse racing circuit the envy of the free world.
They have bred, raised, and championed meaningful legislation that will help farms families for years to come.
They are just as important as Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector. They are just as valuable as American Pharaoh, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and all the Triple Crown champs.
They are champions.
And, as a whole, the entire horse industry should duplicate what David Osborne has done in every other racing jurisdiction in this country.
After all, that’s the greatest honor and form of flattery, right?
That may be the only way we ever get David Osborne up on a stage to accept any acknowledgement.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.