Churchill Downs Inc. has agreed to buy Ellis Park in Henderson for $79 million in cash. WNIN’s John Gibson reports:
CDI, the parent company of Churchill Downs, also plans to build a gambling and entertainment venue at Towne Square Mall in Owensboro.
CDI says it expects to invest an additional $75 million as part of that project.
The closing of the deal is contingent upon the approval of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
In a statement, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said “Churchill Downs has proven it has the experience, resources, and desire to reinvigorate Ellis Park into a premier racing destination and provide unmatched gaming entertainment.”
The racetrack just south of Evansville celebrated 100 years of racing this year.