Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky announced it will invest million to build an 85,000 square foot facility for historical racing machines at its former Trackside training and simulcast wagering site. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission granted conditional approval for the project. Construction will begin later this year and be completed by summer 2018.
Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said, “A state-of-the-art historic racing facility will allow us to deliver an exciting and compelling parimutuel product for our customers in Louisville. This is a great opportunity for us to revitalize another area of our city while strengthening the commonwealth’s equine industry through larger purses and greater incentives for Kentucky breeders and owners. Stronger horse racing means a stronger Kentucky.”
Flanery said the facility will offer 600 historical racing machines, plus a player’s club reward center, walk-up food venues and a bar featuring large-screen televisions. It will create 250 temporary construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs.
Historical racing machines already are available at three Kentucky tracks: Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Turfway Park in northern Kentucky and Red Mile in Lexington. According to KHRC records, through May the devices generated statewide handle of $839.0 million, up 44.5 percent from the same period last year.
Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Marty Maline said, “We’re really enthusiastic about the historical racing machines, with what we’ve seen at Kentucky Downs, the Red Mile and even Ellis Park. Obviously, it’s going to help our purses, and that will be helpful.”
