Upcoming Racing Commission Meetings​

2024

Unless otherwise indicated below all meetings will commence on the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting at 9:30 AM via Zoom video conference. 

• January 10, 2024 
• February 14, 2024
• March 13, 2024 - CANCELLED 
• April 10, 2024
• May 8, 2024 - CANCELLED
• June 12, 2024
• July 10, 2024
• August 14, 2024 
• September 11, 2024 
• October 9, 2024
• November 13, 2024 - CANCELLED

This is a meeting of the Colorado Racing Commission held in public. We welcome you here and thank you for your time and concerns. If you are recognized to speak, please turn on your video, state your name, and then address the Commission. The Commissioners may not respond to your comments during this meeting. Personal attacks against Commissioners, Employees of the Division of Racing Events, or meeting presenters will not be recognized.

About the Commission

The Colorado Racing Commission is a five-member body appointed by the Governor. The Commission meets quarterly in accordance with C.R.S. 44-32-301(h) and is responsible for promulgating all the rules and regulations governing greyhound and horse racing in Colorado. The Commission has final authority over all racing licenses issued in the state. By law, the Commission is composed of five members representing different professional and geographic backgrounds meeting the following requirements:

• No more than three Commissioners may be from the same political party.
• No more than two members of the Commission shall be from the same congressional district.
• One member shall be from west of the Continental Divide.

Following appointment by the Governor, the State Senate must confirm the appointments to the Commission. Commissioners serve four-year terms and no Commissioner may serve more than two consecutive terms. 
 

The Commission membership must include the following:

• Two members who have been previously engaged in the racing industry for at least five years
• One member who is a practicing veterinarian who is currently licensed in Colorado and has been so licensed for not less than five years
• One member who has been engaged in business in a management-level capacity for at least five years
• One member who is a registered elector of the state who is not employed in any profession or industry as otherwise described above.

Colorado Racing Commission Members

Senate Confirmations

Jonathan Horowitz - Racing Industry Member 

Mr. Horowitz was appointed by Governor Polis on July 2, 2024, to serve on the Racing Commission as a representative of the racing industry. Jonathan Horowitz is a sports broadcaster based in Parker, Colorado, where he also runs the Super G Sporthorses eventing barn with his wife, Ashley, and son, Chase. In Colorado, he announced the horse races at Arapahoe Park for more than a decade and currently announces hockey, gymnastics, and more for the University of Denver. Announcing horse races inspired Jonathan to become an advocate for issues related to the Thoroughbred and Arabian breeds, as well as to learn to event on horses he used to announce at the track. He currently serves as executive director for the Arabian Jockey Club to promote the image of the Arabian breed and previously worked at the Library of Congress. (Democrat; Congressional District 4), (1st Term) 

John Hammes, Racing Industry Member 

Mr. Hammes was appointed by Governor Polis on July 2, 2024, to serve on the Racing Commission as a representative of the racing industry. (Republican; Congressional District 4) (1st Term)

Kjersten Davis - Vice Chair - DVM Veterinarian Member 

Dr. Kjersten Davis, was appointed by Governor Polis on July 7,2023 to serve a four-year term on the Commission as a representative of veterinarians licensed in Colorado for the past 5 years. Since 1985, Dr. Davis has proudly served as an equine veterinarian. Over the course of her career, she has specialized in the breeding, care and treatment of performance horses, with a particular focus on racehorses. Her extensive career has taken her to various states, including Pennsylvania, California, and Colorado. Presently, she calls Montrose, Colorado, her home base. Dr. Davis has authored numerous articles focusing on the well-being and medical management of racehorses. Dr. Davis has ridden horses her entire life and currently competes in reining competitions. Throughout her professional journey, her unwavering commitment to the welfare of horses has remained paramount. Through her involvement on the racing commission, she aspires to persistently champion the welfare of both horses and the dedicated individuals who interact with them. (Unaffiliated; Congressional District 3), (1st Term)

Jeffrey Ruebel, Public Member 

Jeffrey Ruebel was appointed by Governor Polis on March 18, 2024 to serve a four-year term on the Racing Commission as a representative of the public. He is a Brush, Colorado native and now resides in Westminster. As the son of a veterinarian, he has familiarity with the agricultural industry. He is a licensed attorney with an active litigation practice and has served as a legal advisor for various business and public interest groups. He was President of the Colorado Soccer Association from 2015-2024. He will bring a legal perspective to the Racing Commission. (Independent; Congressional District 8), (1st Term)

Tameka Sampson, Chairwoman - Business Member 

Tameka Sampson was appointed to serve on the Racing Commission by Governor Polis on June 25, 2021, as a representative of the business industry. She is a Colorado native with an extensive background working for multiple Fortune 200 companies. Her experience is centered in the Telecommunications and Service industries, where her responsibilities have focused on cost reductions and operational improvements. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Denver, certifications in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma, and her commitment to growth, she will bring a unique business perspective to the Racing Commission. (Democrat; Congressional District 6), (1st Term)