W.Va. Horse Racing Industry To Become More Competitive Under New Law 

As muscular thoroughbreds sprinted through morning workouts at the Charles Town racetrack, lawmakers and local officials gathered in the stands Monday with Gov. Patrick Morrisey to celebrate the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 1060. 

“When I look here, I don’t just see a sport. I see an incredible way of life for the Eastern Panhandle and for our state. I see a vital part of the state’s identity that we have a responsibility to protect, to promote and propel into the future,” Morrisey said. “This is an incredible chance, what we’re doing today, to help drive more racing here in the eastern panhandle, better purses, more fans, more tourism. It’s all going to lead to great things.” 

The new law creates the West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred program, which allows horses that have lived in this state for at least six months prior to a race to compete for bigger winnings. It also doubles the funding cap for restricted races at state tracks from $1 million to $2 million. 

Morrisey called it a powerful new incentive to horse owners across the country. 

“For too long, our racing industry has been fighting with one hand tied behind its back. We watched as other states like Maryland and Kentucky and Pennsylvania, they used every tool in their toolkit to lure our breeders and our owners away from us,” he said. “Fortunately, today, West Virginia gets to strike back.” 

Morrisey said the new law gives West Virginia the opportunity to attract the best horse, the biggest purses and the strongest horse racing economy in Appalachia. It officially goes into effect on June 7, 2026. 

Thoroughbred horse racing is conducted at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort near Wheeling.