Court hears high-stakes Kentucky ‘historical racing’ case

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s Supreme Court has delved into a high-stakes case over the legality of “historical racing” machines that are big money makers for racetracks and the state’s thoroughbred industry. Attorneys for racing interests and The Family Foundation argued Friday over the intricacies of what constitutes pari-mutuel wagering. The conservative Family Foundation contends that slot-like historical racing machines don’t meet pari-mutuel wagering standards under Kentucky law. Attorneys for racing interests insisted that historical racing is valid under the regulatory definition of pari-mutuel wagering. This is the second time the case has come before the Kentucky’s highest court.