Ellis Park, which nearly closed a month ago due to stalled negotiations with horsemen over a new advance deposit wagering contract, announced it will increase purses by 5% beginning Aug. 13 through the close of the current meet Sept. 1.
Handle jumped more than 50% in the first three days of the Ellis Park meet, which started a week late due to a disagreement over revenue sharing.
Ellis Park and the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association will distribute $10,000 in bonus money among trainers who have the highest number of starts during the track's 2005 racing meet that runs from July 13 to Sept. 5.
