WKY Development, LLC–a joint venture between Churchill Downs Incorporated and Keeneland Association Inc.–filed an application with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Wednesday requesting a 10-day Standardbred race meet at CDI's old Louisville Downs racing venue located at Derby City Gaming in Louisville for 2019 and in 2020 at its proposed venue in Oak Grove. It would provide a new harness racing location after the closing of Thunder Ridge racetrack last year.
If approved, CDI and Keeneland will solely fund these purses as there has been no prior pari-mutuel activity to generate purse revenue for this meet. If approved by the KHRC, beginning in 2020, live Standardbred racing would permanently move to the proposed Oak Grove venue.
“Reissuing the Thunder Ridge racetrack license to Churchill Downs and Keeneland for immediate use is the right and responsible thing to do for Kentucky's horse racing industry,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “The closure of Thunder Ridge racetrack was a significant hit to horse racing in the Commonwealth, but Churchill Downs and Keeneland are stepping up to address it and ensure the continuation of a strong racing circuit.”
“Bringing Standardbred racing to Louisville in 2019 and then to Christian County in 2020 and beyond is critical to maintain Kentucky's preeminent status as the horse racing capital of the world,” said Vince Gabbert, Vice President and COO of Keeneland. “We are optimistic the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will approve our application to ensure the Standardbred horse racing circuit continues to thrive in the Commonwealth.”
The proposed facility in Oak Grove represents a $125 million economic development project, including a historical racing machine facility featuring up to 1,500 machines, a 125-room hotel with event center and food/beverage venues, a 1,200-person capacity grandstand and event space for indoor events, a 3,000-person capacity outdoor amphitheater and stage, and a state-of-the-art equestrian center including indoor and outdoor arenas.
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