by Richard Riedel, Executive Director, Kentucky Racing Health & Welfare Fund, Inc.
Now that spring has finally sprung in the Bluegrass, it’s time for the Kentucky Race Track Retirement Plan to ship to Kentucky’s tracks to sign up eligible members for its free program. The first stop will be Turfway Park, where horsemen can meet with a Plan representative in the Kentucky HBPA office to complete a short application and submit the required documentation. Kentucky licensed trainers, assistant trainers, and stable employees can sign up at the northern Kentucky track on March 18 and March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
After the Turfway Park event, Plan representatives will visit Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Trackside, and The Thoroughbred Center on selected dates throughout the year. The complete 2010 schedule can be found at www.kyracinghealth.com.
Horsemen can also sign up at the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund, Inc. in Louisville during business hours until November 15. Annual sign up is required to receive a contribution.
For additional information about the Plan call (502) 636-2646.
The Kentucky Race Track Retirement Plan was started in 2001 to provide retirement benefits for long term, full-time Kentucky licensed trainers, assistant trainers and stable employees who meet the Plan’s eligibility requirements. Since its inception, the Plan has provided $800,000 for 180 members, who have retired, became disabled, or passed away.
Currently there are 460 active members enrolled in the Plan, with an additional 25 members receiving monthly installment checks.
