Harness Horse Racing Program
The Harness Horse Racing Program supports Kentucky local agricultural fairs by helping their boards pay harness racing purses, as part of state aid that promotes fairs and agricultural education.
Funder: Office of Agricultural Marketing
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (final financial report) | March 1, 2027 (state aid request) | April 1, 2027 (applicable show forms)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,000 per fair per year; state match capped at $750 per race
Summary: Helps Kentucky local agricultural fairs pay purses for harness horse racing.
Key Information: Fair boards must be incorporated and match state aid with local funds.
Description
The Harness Horse Racing Program helps local agricultural fairs pay purses for harness horse racing. It is part of Kentucky’s State Aid to Local Agricultural Fairs Program, established in 1962 to promote local fairs through state grants. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Shows and Fairs administers the state aid program under the Commissioner of Agriculture, with advice from the Kentucky Fair Council.
State aid supports qualifying expenditures by local fair boards. The broader program emphasizes fairs that provide agricultural education through youth organizations and exhibition opportunities for both youth and adults.
