Jockey Calvin Borel, Kentucky governor among hundreds at Capitol rally to support video slots

Borel among hundreds at Ky. rally for video slots

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Two-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel is urging lawmakers to legalize video gambling at horse racing tracks in the state.

Borel was among hundreds of horse industry employees and advocates who packed the state Capitol’s front steps Wednesday. Borel says he’s worried Kentucky’s horse industry is falling behind other states.

Gov. Steve Beshear has called the legislature into special session to consider a plan allowing race tracks to operate video slot machines. Lawmakers are also considering other measures including a plan to offset an estimated $1 billion budget shortfall.

Borel rode Mine that Bird to victory in the Derby and filly Rachel Alexandra to success in the Preakness this year. He also won the 2007 Kentucky Derby atop Street Sense.

A House vote on the plan is expected to come later this week.