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This April Gregory H. Simpson was appointed to the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) by Gov. John R. Kasich. His term will run through March 31, 2021.

Simpson Brings Deep Community Connection to Racing Commission

Simpson, 66, is currently a Milford, Ohio resident. He grew up in the Cincinnati area and attended Moeller High School. He went on to serve in the United State Army during Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 prior to graduating from Wilmington College in 1974. A few years later he started his business, Key Transportation Services, which he still owns and operates.

In addition to Simpson’s business success, he is active in the Clermont County Agricultural Society, Clermont County Port Authority, Clermont Farm Bureau, Clermont County 4-H, and Ohio Expositions Commission (State Fair Board).

The Ohio State Racing Commission

The OSRC oversees the licensing, promotion, and other regulatory needs of horse breeding and racing throughout the state. It is made up of five commissioners, all appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and it currently employs 12 full- and part-time workers, including judges, stewards, investigators, racing inspectors, veterinarians, and other professionals.

OSRC Licensing

To protect the integrity of the sport, the OSRC regulates licensing for all types of participants within the industry including owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and others. Licensing rules and fees may depend on the type of event the horse is entered into, such as a racetrack or fair. Whether an individual is able to receive a license depends on the OSRC’s laws and rules for Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter horses and whether the prospective licensee meets the OSRC’s qualifications for his or her position.

The OSCR also holds the right to refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for reasons including but not limited to if the licensee or applicant:

• Has been convicted of a felony within the previous 10 years
• Has had a license granted by another state or nation’s racing authority revoked within the previous 5 years
• Violated or tried to violate an Ohio rule of racing or other OSRC regulation
• Perpetuated or tried to perpetuate a fraud or misrepresentation related to horse breeding or racing
• Made material misrepresentations on his license application
• Has demonstrated financial irresponsibility based on accumulated debts or dishonored checks
• Abandoned, neglected, abused, mistreated, or in any way engaged in an act of cruelty toward a horse

In most situations, the OSRC does not conduct an in-depth investigation. Many licenses are penalized or have their licenses revoked based on information hearings. However, there is an appeals process. Administrative law attorneys like those of Graff & McGovern are available to help applicants and licensees gain or keep their licenses to participate in horse breeding and racing.

Contact Graff & McGovern Today

If you are part of the Ohio racing community and are facing sanctions from the OSRC, contact the experienced administrative law attorneys of Graff & McGovern today at 614-228-5800 or through our online form to schedule a consultation. Our firm is experienced in practicing before the OSRC and three of our lawyers are certified as Administrative law Specialists by the Ohio State Bar Association.