TWIN FALLS, ID—FEBRUARY 25, 2021—According to an article by Candice Hare on the KMVT News website kmvt.com, Idaho Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa), chairman of the State House Affairs Committee, refused to have a bill heard on revenue redistribution that would fund the state's horse racing commission shortfall.

Horse racing in Idaho currently does not have the funding to host a year’s worth of racing.

The state's racing industry was awarded 26 race days for the 2021 season to be shared between Pocatello Downs, Rupert Downs, Jerome Horse Racing Association, Oneida County Fair, Cassia County Fair and Eastern Idaho Fair.

Horse racing in Idaho is self-funded from wagering revenues in-person at the track or live on an electronic device. Those revenues are currently split between the racing commission, racetracks, breeders and public schools.

The East Idaho Horsemen’s Association — which represents both the Idaho Thoroughbred Association and Idaho Quarter Horse Association — created the legislative bill refused by Crane that would have redistributed wagering revenues in order to properly fund the commission.

Bryon Goody, President of the East Idaho Horsemen’s Association, said a properly funded racing commission is vital in terms of ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport.

“It’s about safety. It’s about safety for the animals and it’s about safety for those who ride those animals: the jockeys,” Goody said. “It’s about integrity for the sport. It’s about knowing that we’re doing the right thing. The racing commission is the governing body. It’s the watchful eye over the sport. It makes people accountable.”