The KHRC, Kentucky’s sports betting and horse racing regulatory commission, appoints Beth Bungert as Safety Steward

In a move to bolster the safety and integrity of horse racing in the state, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) announced the appointment of Beth Bungert to the newly established position of Safety Steward on September 5, 2023. The creation of the lead safety position in June aimed to guarantee the adherence of both Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and KHRC standards and guidelines at licensed thoroughbred racetracks and training facilities.

As the safety steward, Bungert’s core duties will encompass the oversight of regulatory and safety adherence, ensuring seamless information dissemination among all stakeholders. The KHRC is also tasked with regulating the Kentucky sports betting industry, as it plans for the launch of Kentucky mobile sports betting apps on September 28th. However, it remains unclear whether Kentucky sports wagering will fall under the umbrella of Ms. Bungert’s duties as Safety Steward.

Bungert is no stranger to the racetrack, boasting an impressive 20-year tenure in various roles such as groom, exercise rider, veterinary assistant, assistant trainer, racing official, and program director across numerous Kentucky-based racetracks. This diverse experience positions her uniquely, offering a holistic view of the racing environment.

Jamie Eads, the executive director of the KHRC, expressed her excitement about the appointment. “Safety is a collective responsibility in racing,” Eads mentioned. She emphasized the importance of streamlined communication among officials, participants, and track management in ensuring both safety and compliance. “With Beth’s in-depth understanding of daily operations and her passion for the sport, we’re optimistic about identifying and implementing potential improvements in safety protocols,” she added.

For Bungert, this role is a significant milestone in her illustrious career. She remarked, “Having been immersed in almost every facet of racing, I eagerly anticipate leveraging my cumulative experiences to prioritize the safety of both horse and rider.”

Bungert, as the safety steward, will also play a pivotal role in advising racetrack management and regulatory bodies on best practices and recommendations, emphasizing the welfare of horses and riders, preserving the integrity of racing, and ensuring strict adherence to horse racing laws and regulations.

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Mac Douglass is the Senior Sports Betting Editor at Cipher Sports Technology Group, specializing in covering sports betting promos and state launches, including the upcoming Kentucky sports betting launch. In addition to covering the sports betting industry for several news sites across the US, Mac provides predictive analysis for the NFL, college football, and numerous other sports for Dimers and Stats Insider.