As expected, the Kentucky Equestrian Commission approved a change of control in the Ellis . Park for Churchill Downs Inc. during a special committee meeting on 20 September. All the trustees in attendance voted in favor of the move, which came after the CDI announced a definitive agreement on 15 September to acquired the Henderson, Ky, property for $79 million. .
Churchill’s acquisition of Ellis Park continues to expand in the status of racing properties and their profitable gambling-like historic horse racing operations. At the end of 2019, CDI bought and redeveloped Lawn Park into a modernized racing and games facility, reopening this month. The HHR game has also flourished in Louisville at Churchill Downs– under Derby City Gaming.
Outside of Kentucky, over the past year CDI has entered into agreements to acquire Colony Downs in Virginia, where HHR is located and has chosen to sell and close Arlington International Racecourse in Illinois.
CDI has announced it plans to spend about $75 million over the next year on its aging Ellis Park facility and the track’s future Owensboro game and simulation center. KHRC says Ellis Park will host 24 regular summer races in 2023 under CDI management.
“This is not only a great step for Churchill Downs, but also a tremendous economic boost for the state of Kentucky,” KHRC commissioner C. Frank Shoop said during the meeting. “It’s also great for the Kentucky Riders. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
