The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Advisory Committee met April 5 with recommendations to increase funds for competitive Kentucky crossbreeds in the state.
Churchill Downs The chief financial officer, Henry Snyder, requested a modification of the KTDF distribution from $9.5 million to $10.5 million, which all Kentucky Horse Racing Commission members approved to proceed. The race pass on August 13 at Twin Spiers includes races that were previously held that no longer exist Arlington International Course. Churchill Downs Friday’s claim was driven by KTDF’s additional payments on stake races and is expected to increase in the fall.
The success of Derby City Gaming can be said to be the heart of Churchill Downs’ historic horse racing game.
According to Ben Huffman, race secretary for Churchill Downs, a $5.2 million surplus in the KTDF fund is expected through the end of February, and by the end of the spring meeting, a surplus of about $7.2 million. Keeneland.
“Things are going very well. Racing in Kentucky is going very well,” added Rick Hiles, president of the Kentucky Riders’ Protection and Benevolence Association. “I commend everyone who is working to make this right. Kentucky is becoming the premier venue in America for motorsport.”
In addition to the increased budget, the refurbished Churchill turf will open on April 30.
Kentucky Downs Senior Vice President Ted Nicholson requested $7.9 million to $8.5 million from the KTDF Foundation for the September briefing. KTDF’s $1 million will be directed to Ellis Park for distribution during the meeting. their 23-day summer meeting. A request for $300,000 for advertising will be presented to KHRC at a later date.
Improvements to the Kentucky Downs include 40 additional stalls on the backseat and a new stall to be built for riders. In addition, fiber optic internet has been added to the racing office.
The Kentucky Downs Bowling Green gaming facility, which opened in March, was a success, bringing in just $40 million.
In 2021, about $3.9 million has been paid out in the KTDF wallet, according to Marc Estrada, site controller at Ellis . Park. Ellis Park will pay the KTDF approximately $2.8 million for the upcoming 2022 summer meeting, including a $1 million transfer from the Kentucky Downs.
The KTDF’s daily payments for the 2022 Ells Park meeting are estimated at $115,000, including 24 race days, down from last year’s 30 race days, which paid out an average of $132,000 for KTDF’s fund.
Plans for Ellis Park’s Owensboro extension are being finalized and a site has been contracted with an architect and general contractor, with an expected opening date of April or May 2023. .
Improvements to Ellis Park include its turf expansion, which is funded in November 2021 and is about to begin. Other improvements include a water retention pond, which is required. New track lighting and receiving barn after the previous barn caught fire on August 21 is being rolled out. The new receiving barn will be in warehouse number 17, directly behind the clothing store. Current stable improvements include stall fixes, new limestone in stalls, and wash racks.
“This year marks 100 years of racing at Ellis Park, and we are committed to improving our facilities as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the fans who have been with us for 100 years,” said Jeff Inman. , company general director Ellis Park said . “We currently have the resources to fix this site, and we’re excited and committed to making Ellis Park a successful part of the Kentucky circuit.”
Lawn Park recorded a healthy betting increase of up to 24%. In addition to the spike in betting, the bet amount at Turfway has increased from $5 million to $10 million. The April 2 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) card hit $7.9 million in processing, up from $5.5 million last year.
Other improvements to the back of Turfway include five new warehouses with approximately 150 stalls, a new test barn, enhancement of older dorms, and construction of a new two-story dormitory for Riders reside in the place. These renovations are on track to be completed by November 2022.
The new Turfway Park Racing and Games facility to open in September 2022, powered by 840 HHR consoles, will expand to 1,500.
In March, Chip Bach of Turfway Park reported that their Newport Racing and Games facility had raised nearly $33 million for the betting handle, made up of 465 HHR machines.
Racing at Turfway Park
