Bungert named Kentucky Horse Racing Commission safety steward

Beth Bungert, who has worked in a variety of positions at racetracks over the past 20 years, including as a veterinary assistant and racing official, has been hired to the new position of safety steward for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the regulatory agency announced Tuesday.

Bungert will be responsible for ensuring compliance with relatively new regulations devised by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and with the existing safety regulations of the KHRC, as well as communicating safety information to all licensees. The position was created earlier this year after a spate of deaths at Churchill Downs in the spring.

In addition to her experience as a racing official and veterinary assistant, Bungert has worked as a groom, exercise rider, assistant trainer, and a program director during her 20-year career at the racetrack, the KHRC said.

“Centralized communication between officials, racing participants, and track management is a key aspect of compliance,” Jamie Eads, executive director of the commission, said in a press release. “We’re excited to have Beth join us, because she is someone who understands daily operations and can identify potential improvements in safety protocol. And, importantly, she is a long-time horsewoman who cares about the sport.”

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