Horsemen, Ellis Park Strike Deal on Year-Round Training

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The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has reached an agreement with Ellis Park to keep the stable area at the Henderson, Ky., racetrack open for training year-round.

Ellis Park, owned by Churchill Downs Inc., races in July and August and traditionally remains open for training the rest of the year. The Kentucky HBPA, in a June 5 release, said financial considerations had led Ellis Park to decide to close the stable area and track for winter training. Ellis Park competes with a riverboat casino and off-track betting facility in nearby Indiana.

Kentucky HBPA president Susan Bunning said a horsemen's committee headed by Mike Bruder reached an agreement with Ellis Park that will maintain year-round training. Bruder said horsemen would soon be informed of the details, but that the deal doesn't call for an increase in stall rent.

Ellis Park is located in western Kentucky, about two hours from Churchill Downs, and three hours from Keeneland and Turfway Park.

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