West Virginia governor signs legislation directing more money to state's Thoroughbred Development Fund

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Tuesday signed a bill that will add approximately $1.5 million annually to the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund and provide new incentives for owners to base horses in the state.

The bill was signed by Morrissey during a ceremony at Charles Town Races. Morrisey was accompanied by several lawmakers who pushed the bill through the legislative process as a boost to the state’s agriculture industry.

“When I look here, I don’t just see a sport,” Morrisey said. “I see an incredible way of life for the eastern panhandle and for our state. I see a vital part of the state’s identity that we have a responsibility to protect, to promote, and to propel into the future.”

Under the bill, the development fund and purses will receive a greater share of the revenues from casinos in the state. In addition, horses that are based in the state for at least six months prior to turning 3 will become eligible to win bonuses from the development fund even if they were not bred in the state.

“This is a very important piece of legislation that the horsemen have been looking for for a number of years,” said Jim Miller, president of the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “We hope this will incentivize more horses being foaled in West Virginia. We think it will.”

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