Edited Ellis Park release
Ellis Park owner Ron Geary unveiled a new brand and outlined plans for the Henderson, Ky. racetrack's 2007 season during a press conference Jan. 30.
“It’s going to be an exciting year for Ellis Park and our family of fans, horsemen and employees,” said Geary. “This new brand illustrates to me what Ellis is all about –- a small-town Saratoga (like), festival atmosphere. Our plan is to build on Ellis’ reputation as a fan friendly and family friendly racetrack.”
The logo for the Ellis brand was developed after a series of interviews with Ellis fans and local officials. “The festival nature of Ellis Park’s live meets has been captured in a logo that plays a bit on tradition, but still shows a forward-thinking entertainment facility,” says Geary.
The Claiming Crown, also known as “the Blue-Collar Breeders’ Cup”, will make its first appearance in Kentucky at Ellis this summer. “Over $600,000 in purses will be offered to the racehorses that make up the backbone of our sport – the everyday, hard-knocking claimer,” said recently-hired racing secretary Dan Bork.
Ellis Park also announced other key dates for 2007, including a return to the traditional July 4 holiday racing:
--July 4 – Opening Day
-- Aug. 4 – Claiming Crown
-- Aug. 25 - Weiner Dog Races
--Sept. 3 - Closing Day
“We can’t make this the best year in Ellis Park’s history without our fans, sponsors and support from the local community,” Geary stated. “We promise to continue the great traditions of Ellis, but also want to try and add even more reasons for fans to visit us this summer.”
