Churchill Downs Inc. has agreed to purchase an additional interest in Kentucky Downs, the track in Franklin, Ky., that has seen a rise in business since the introduction of Instant Racing in late 2011.
YesterdayThe Kentucky Equine Education Project announced Dec. 7 that it will host an online stallion season auction beginning Dec. 16. The auction will last until Dec. 22.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011With Instant Racing off to a successful start at Kentucky Downs, other tracks in the Bluegrass state are making plans to usher in the form of electronic gaming.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Citing increased numbers of patrons attracted by Instant Racing, Kentucky Downs reported live on-track handle for its four-day all-turf meet increased 2.9% to total $313,614.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011The president of Kentucky Downs said a placing judge's error was responsible for an incorrect placing of the horses' finish position in a Sept. 10 race at the Franklin, Ky., track.
Thursday, September 15, 2011Kentucky Downs said the launch of Instant Racing Sept. 1 led to year-over-year increases in pari-mutuel handle on simulcast races over Labor Day weekend.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Kentucky Downs is reporting receipts of more than a half-million dollars from Instant Racing machines during their first five days of operation.
Thursday, September 08, 2011Kentucky Downs Sept. 1 officially became the first racetrack in the state to operate expanded pari-mutuel wagering in the form of Instant Racing machines.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Amid the uncertainty of reception in the marketplace and a lingering legal challenge, Kentucky Downs officially christened expanded pari-mutuel wagering via Instant Racing machines during an evening reception Aug. 30.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Kentucky Downs will inaugurate Instant Racing in Kentucky Sept. 1 and believes the form of pari-mutuel wagering can help restore "vibrancy" to the state's horse racing industry.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The president of Kentucky Downs said the track is nearing completion of work needed to implement a form of Instant Racing and that it will be a "first class" operation and that the opening date will be announced soon.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011When Kentucky Downs becomes the first Kentucky track to implement Instant Racing, it will do so with the takeout from the electronic games allocated to purses during the first year being used to help defray startup costs.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The president of Kentucky Downs says action by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission July 14 approving a new form of exotic wagering that uses electronic machines will provide an economic and morale boost to the industry.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The staff of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is recommending that the regulatory body on July 14 grant approval to Kentucky Downs to become the first track in the state to implement Instant Racing.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
It appears Kentucky Downs will be the first racetrack in the state to apply to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for an Instant Racing license.
Friday, July 01, 2011
The Kentucky Equine Education Project and Corey Johnsen, the organization's new chairman, will host a telephone town hall meeting May 18 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011The Kentucky Equine Education Project board of directors elected Corey Johnsen March 29 to serve as its chairman of the board.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Jockeys' Guild will conduct its annual Assembly Dec. 7-8 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the University of Arizona's 2009 Symposium on Racing and Gaming.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Facing the harsh realities posed by a weak economy and stiff competition from racetracks in nearby states with more lucrative purses boosted by alternative gaming, two Kentucky tracks April 7 received permission to cut their live race dates this year.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Representatives of two Kentucky Thoroughbred tracks said they will be forced to reduce racing dates due to declining economic conditions, with the owner of Ellis Park saying his track would not race in 2010 unless alternative gaming is legalized in the Bluegrass State.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009Kentucky Downs wrapped up its 16th season of live racing with increases in on-track business for its six-day turf-only race meet that ended Sept. 23.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Eight-year-old gelding Silverfoot headlines a field of 10 in the $200,000 Kentucky Cup Turf (gr. IIIT), the highlight of Kentucky Downs' six-day turf meet which begins Sept. 13.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Kentucky Downs is gearing up to host its live race season this September. The southern Kentucky track's fall meet will include six days of turf contests from Sept. 13-23.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Highlighted by the $200,000 Kentucky Cup Turf (gr. IIIT) and the return of Steeplechase racing to Kentucky Downs, the 2008 stakes schedule was released today for Kentucky Downs' upcoming live meeting, which runs from Sept. 13-23.
Friday, July 11, 2008Kentucky Downs concluded its 2007 meet with its second-highest on-track handle and third-largest total handle in the racetrack's 17-year history, officials said closing day, Sept. 25.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007Chick Lang, known as the father of the modern day Preakness Stakes (gr. I), has been named senior racing advisor at Kentucky Downs, the track's president Corey Johnsen announced today Aug. 15.
Monday, August 20, 2007Closing is now finalized on the sale of the Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Ky., and the new majority owners have hit the ground running in preparation for hosting the fall race meeting, Sept. 15-25.
Monday, August 06, 2007A partnership led by former Magna Entertainment Corp. executive Corey Johnsen and Texas investment banker Ray Reid have purchased the majority interest in Kentucky Downs near Franklin, Ky.
Thursday, March 22, 2007Magna Entertainment has named Drew Shubeck president and general manager of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. In addition, G.W. Hail and Paula Newman have been promoted to vice-president and assistant general manager.
Thursday, March 01, 2007Corey Johnsen has resigned as president of Magna Entertainment Corp. southern operations to join a group of private investors that is in the process of acquiring controlling interest of another North American racetrack.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie Wednesday was granted 99 live racing dates for 2007, including a 67-date spring Thoroughbred season that will cover 16 weeks from April 12 through July 29.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006The Thoroughbred Racing Associations' members announced April 24 pledges of more than $250,000 in early commitment funds to aid the nation's permanently disabled jockeys.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006The Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation for Grand Prairie, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, awarded $60,000 to 14 Grand Prairie, Texas charities March 7 during a ceremony at Lone Star Park.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006The regular session of the Texas legislature concluded without tossing so much as a crumb toward horse racing, but the state's racing industry remains hopeful lawmakers could soon consider video lottery terminals for racetracks.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005The 21st running of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships last October at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas helped generate $47.4 million in new economic activity for that state, according to a study released Thursday.
Thursday, May 19, 2005The Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation for Grand Prairie awarded $60,000 to 18 Grand Prairie, Texas charities March 17 during a ceremony at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.
Thursday, March 17, 2005Breeders' Cup and Lone Star Park officials said they were pleased with how the Grand Prairie racetrack pulled off its first World Thoroughbred Championships.
Saturday, October 30, 2004At 10:35 a.m. (local Central time), D.G. Van Clief Jr. walked to the microphone in the Lone Star Park winner's circle and the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships officially began.
Saturday, October 30, 2004Breeders' Cup and Lone Star Park executives met the afternoon of Oct. 29 to discuss plans given the possibility of a heightened terror alert in the United States, but the strategy already was in place, according to an official close to the situation.
Friday, October 29, 2004Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill Monday that allows electronic gaming machines at three racetracks in the state. A bill-signing ceremony was scheduled for Tuesday.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004The Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation for Grand Prairie distributed $102,000 to 19 Grand Prairie, Tex. charities on Tuesday during a brief ceremony at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004The 24th Mistletoe Ball - the annual holiday fundraiser and major social event put on by the Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation for Grand Prairie - raised more than $59,000 for Grand Prairie charities when it was staged Dec. 6 at The Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003The future of Remington Park and perhaps the future of the entire Thoroughbred industry in Oklahoma could depend on a vote by House of Representatives to legalize electronic gaming at the state's racetracks.
Friday, May 30, 2003Impending legislation to install video lottery terminals (VLTs) at pari-mutuel facilities in Texas drew a packed house at the Texas Thoroughbred Association's annual conference on Jan. 18. The conference, which culminated in their annual awards dinner, took place at the Hilton Austin Airport hotel in Austin.
Saturday, January 18, 2003Lone Star Park began the first phase of its $7.8-million expansion plan Nov. 20 to accommodate horsemen from around the world and an anticipated crowd in excess of 50,000 for the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002On Wednesday Lone Star Park begins renovations in preparation for hosting the 2004 Breeders' Cup with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002Magna Entertainment Corp. officially announced the appointment of Lone Star Park president Corey Johnsen to the position of group vice president for Texas, Oklahoma and Florida.
Saturday, November 09, 2002Remington Park's general manager Frank Deal has resigned as head of the state's largest racetrack, The Oklahoman reported Monday.
Monday, October 21, 2002The board of directors at Breeders' Cup Ltd. voted unanimously July 13 to pursue a contract with Lone Star Park to host the World Thoroughbred Championships in 2004.
Saturday, July 13, 2002
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