Jerry Jamgotchian v. Kentucky Horse Racing Commission John T. Ward, Jr.

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed summary judgment for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, holding that the temporary restrictions imposed on horses claimed in Kentucky do not violate the dormant Commerce Clause. Although the restrictions may incidentally favor Kentucky racetracks, they serve legitimate racing-integrity purposes, apply only to a voluntary claiming-race transaction, and impose limited burdens that do not meaningfully constitute protectionism or impermissible extraterritorial regulation. The court also held that Jamgotchian presented a sufficiently concrete controversy because he remained eligible and likely to participate in Kentucky claiming races.