Racing commission chief vet fired by Bevin administration

Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration has fired Dr. Will Farmer, who has been the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s chief veterinarian since 2012.

Marc Guilfoil, the new executive director of the commission, confirmed Friday morning that Farmer has been dismissed. He referred calls to the Public Protection Cabinet. Ricki Gardenhire, spokeswoman for Cabinet Secretary David A. Dickerson’s office, said the cabinet does not comment on personnel issues.

Guilfoil said that the chief vet’s duties, overseeing racing vets, will be handled by Dr. Bruce Howard, another longtime vet with the commission.

“It’s a very important position,” said Guilfoil, who said he has confidence in Howard’s abilities. All of the commission veterinarians are non-merit employees, which means they serve at the pleasure of the current governor, Guilfoil said.

Farmer was named chief vet in 2012 after Dr. Bryce Peckham resigned. Farmer was in charge during high-profile events including the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

The racing commission will meet this afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. This is the first meeting since December, when chairman Bob Beck resigned. Outgoing Gov. Steve Beshear named bloodstock agent David M. Ingordo to replace Beck on the commission but not as chair. Ingordo will be sworn in today. Traditionally, incoming governors have re-organized the racing commission, often replacing all the sitting members.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 10:23 AM with the headline "Racing commission chief vet fired by Bevin administration."