KHRC Approves Change of Control in Ellis Park to CDI
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Photo: Coady Photography
Racing at Ellis Park
As anticipated, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved a change of control in Ellis Park to Churchill Downs Inc. during a special meeting of the commission Sept. 20. All commissioners in attendance voted in favor of the move, which came after CDI announced a definitive agreement Sept. 15 to acquire the Henderson, Ky., property for $79 million.
Churchill's acquisition of Ellis Park continues its expansion in the state of racing properties and their profitable, slot-like historical horse racing gaming activities. In late 2019, CDI purchased and redeveloped Turfway Park into a modernized racing and gaming facility, which reopened this month. HHR gaming has also flourished in Louisville at the Churchill Downs-affiliated Derby City Gaming.
Outside Kentucky, over the past year CDI has entered into agreements to acquire Colonial Downs in Virginia, which has HHR, and opted to sell and close Arlington International Racecourse in Illinois.
CDI has stated it plans to spend approximately $75 million over the next year on the aging Ellis Park facility and the track's future Owensboro gaming and simulcasting center. The KHRC indicated Ellis Park will run its usual 24 summer race dates in 2023 under CDI management.
"It is not only a great move for Churchill Downs, it is a tremendous economic enhancement for the state of Kentucky," KHRC commissioner C. Frank Shoop said during the meeting. "It's also great for Kentucky horsemen. It's a win-win for everybody."