Ellis Park Racing & Gaming’s summer season has concluded with another record-breaking year, ending with a 20% increase in total bets. This year, a total of $72.7 million was wagered across the 25 days of play, surpassing last year’s record of $12.2 million.
“We are delighted with the results of this year’s competition, both in terms of record-breaking results and the outstanding quality of racing,” said Ellis Park general manager Matt Pressley. “We owe our success to the dedication of our staff, our male and female riders, our horsemen and our local community. Thanks to the continued investment from Churchill Downs Incorporated, Ellis Park is positioned for continued growth and success.”
Competitors were rewarded handsomely throughout the competition, with more than $15.1 million in prize money awarded across 228 races—a 7% increase over 2023, which was a record-breaking year with a 49% increase in prize money. This year’s competition ran one day longer than last year (including money from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund).
Jockey Jaime Torres tops the jockey standings with 21 wins in 134 starts. Torres, who also won this year’s Grade I Preakness Stakes aboard Seize the Grey, has split his time between Saratoga and Ellis Park this summer, earning $1.2 million in prize money. Luan Machado is just one win behind Torres with 20 wins and leads all jockeys in prize money with $1.5 million. Cristian Torres is third with 17 wins.
The trainer standings saw Brendan Walsh and Steve Asmussen tied for first place, with each having won 14 times. Asmussen, who had a remarkable 139 starts at the meet, earned $809,118 with his runners. Walsh, who won 20% of his horses from 70 starts, led all trainers in earnings with $1.1 million, highlighted by wins in the $400,000 Pucker Up Stakes (GIII) with Waves of Mischief and the $250,000 Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby with Cameo Performance.
Godolphin dominated the owners’ standings for the second year in a row, winning 12 of 24 starts and earning $604,712 in prize money. Steve Asmussen was second with seven wins in 21 starts.
Live racing will return to Ellis Park in early July 2025. For the latest information on gaming promotions throughout the year, visit www.ellisparkracing.com.
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