The Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund advisory committee May 10 unanimously approved key changes in the program, which has become an important part of the state’s Thoroughbred industry in very challenging times.

The recommendations now go to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which oversees the Breeders’ Incentive Fund, for a vote May 18. If approved, new regulations will be submitted to the Legislative Research Commission.

The recommendations stem from multiple committee meetings at which the scope of the about $10 million program was discussed. The committee and others believe there is disparity in the awards paid in Kentucky versus out of state given the fact the Kentucky breeding market is considered international.

For instance, the proposed regulations would award the same $7,500 to the breeder of a grade I winner in Kentucky or elsewhere in the United States and a breeder of a group I winner in a foreign country. In 2010, according to KBIF statistics, the award for a grade I win in Kentucky (excluding the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks) was $25,000 versus $5,000 for comparable races in other states and in foreign countries