Rabinowitz named chairman of Kentucky Horse Racing Commission

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed a new chairman to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and made three other new appointments to the regulatory agency, according to a series of executive orders issued by his office near the end of April.

Jonathan Rabinowitz, managing partner of the law firm Morgan & Morgan and a co-owner of a breeding and racing stable, was appointed chairman, replacing Frank Kling, whose term had expired. Kling will remain on the board as a regular member. This is the first stint on the commission for Rabinowitz, who also co-owns a sports travel-package company and a bar in Versailles, Ky.

Beshear also appointed Alan J. Levitt, a Standardbred owner and breeder, to replace Pat Day, whose term had expired. Leavitt has served on the commission for multiple terms in the past. In addition. Dr. Naveed Chowhan, an oncologist who owns Fleur de Lis Stables in Louisville, was appointed to take the seat held by Lesley Ann Howard, whose term had expired, although Howard was subsequently appointed to an additional term, replacing Lawrence Bisig.

James Worley, a former member of the state Senate and owner of a construction company in Richmond, was appointed to replace Dr. James Richardson, whose term had expired. Beshear also re-appointed Charles O’Connor.

The racing commission, which has 15 members, is currently attempting to work with racetracks in the state on re-opening plans. Its race dates committee is expected to contemplate several changes to the summer racing schedule in Kentucky after Churchill Downs closes its revived spring-summer meeting on June 27, including a request by Keeneland Racecourse to run several dates in July.