The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has on its wish list the position of equine medical director, funding for which would come from the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council.

The KHRA discussed the position during its Feb. 20 meeting along with the addition of nine other positions should state funding become available. A recent state audit suggested the authority needs funding and more staff to efficiently carry out its duties.

Drug council chair Connie Whitfield, also vice chair of the KHRA, said money the council gets from the state each year would pay the equine medical director’s salary.

“The equine drug council needs to vote to have an equine medical director,” Whitfield said. “It’s essentially based on the job (Rick Arthur, DVM) has in California. The position would be paid for with equine drug council funds