By Joe Biesk
The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - Gov. Ernie Fletcher is leaving today for a weeklong economic development trip to Chile, and he's bringing a taste of Kentucky horse racing with him.

While there, the governor and first lady Glenna Fletcher are planning to attend the first Chilean Governor's Cup of Kentucky horse race. They'll be presenting the race's winner with a trophy after the race Friday.

"Not only do we get to present the Kentucky Derby trophy, but we'll get to present the Kentucky Governor's Cup trophy in Santiago," Fletcher told reporters. "The race again showcases Kentucky and its prominence in the horse racing industry and to those involved in the business ventures in Chile."

The race involves Chilean thoroughbred horses, and is scheduled to be run at the Club Hipico de Chile in Santiago, Fletcher spokeswoman Jeannie Lausche said. The Keeneland Association has donated $5,000 toward the race's purse, she said.

But the trip isn't all fun and racing, Fletcher said.

Among his other stops, Fletcher is scheduled to meet with Chilean President Ricardo Lagos and other economic policy leaders in the country.

"Chile has been one of the most progressive markets in South America," Fletcher said. "And when you look at the tariffs and the opportunities of trade, Chile is probably one of the best opportunities we have in South America at this time."

Increasing Chilean business opportunities for Kentucky's horse racing industry is also a goal, he said.

Fletcher pointed to Kentucky's stainless steel industry as another possible area for the state's economic expansion in South America. Chile's wine industry would also be a possible opportunity, he said.

"We've got kind of endless possibilities in South America, trade opportunities and business opportunities," Fletcher said.

Meanwhile, the governor is planning to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the state's Kentucky South American Trade Office in Santiago. While the office opened in 2001, Fletcher's trip will mark the first time a Kentucky governor has visited it, he said.

Kentucky's trade office in Chile consists of a two-person staff, but the state also has contracted representatives in Brazil and Argentina, he said.