KHRC Approves $1M KTDF Funds for Ellis Park Summer Meet

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission met July 26 in person at the Kentucky Horse Park, passing a motion to ratify the approval of Kentucky Downs' request to send $1 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund to Ellis Park for the enhanced Summer Meet of 2022. This approved ratification is supported by the advisory committee, the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, and KTA-KTOB, and passed unanimously by all commissioners.

"I specifically want to thank Ron Winchell and Ted Nicholson, and Senator (Damon) Thayer for supporting Kentucky's year-round circuit and making this happen," chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz said. "Thank you all for your hard work on this."

Backside improvements to Ellis Park, including the purchase of 38 air-conditioning units (valued at $7,000) for use in the dormitories, were approved unanimously by all commissioners. This improvement, which fell through the cracks in earlier requests, is based on humanitarian needs for the backside staff during the warm summer months.

The KHRC awarded the state's ninth and final license for approval of the new Revolutionary Racing Kentucky; the facility will be Kentucky's first exclusive Quarter Horse racetrack and entertainment center. The complex, which will be based in eastern Kentucky, will also include simulcasting, pari-mutuel wagering, and live horse racing for the 2023 season. Construction is expected to begin later this year.