Less than a week after accepting the resignation of its chief racing veterinarian, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has hired an interim chief.

The commission has named Bryce Peckham, D.V.M., of Meriden, Kansas, as interim chief racing veterinarian. Peckham has spent the previous 12 years as the chief racing veterinarian for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

“We are delighted to have someone with Bryce’s experience in racing regulatory issues taking on this demanding position,” said Lisa Underwood, the commission’s executive director. “His background makes him an ideal choice to take over at this critical juncture.”

The commission still plans to conduct a national search for a permanent chief racing veterinarian, a process that could take three to six months. Peckham succeeds Lafe Nichols, D.V.M., who resigned Friday.

Peckham is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the AAEP’s practice group of racing regulatory veterinarians. Prior to being named Kansas’ chief racing vet, he served for seven years as senior track veterinarian at the Woodlands. He was awarded a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University in 1988.