Ellis Park opens after water main break; racing resumes Friday

Crews working overnight at Ellis Park fixed the water main break that forced the track to close Sunday. Repairs were completed about 6:30 CT Monday morning, and the track re-opened Monday for simulcast wagering and historical horse racing gaming as scheduled.

Live racing resumes on schedule Friday after the cancelation of Sunday’s nine-race card. There are three days remaining in the Ellis meet: Friday, Sunday and Labor Day. There is no live racing this Saturday in order to accommodate the opening of Kentucky Downs’ meet, though Ellis is open for simulcast wagering and HHR gaming.

Ellis Park general manager Jeff Hall said Ellis will run an additional three races on both Sunday and Monday to make up for some of the lost races. Entries already had been taken for Friday.

Hall said Monday morning that the pump house remained fully operational throughout and, with the repairs made, had the 65,000-gallon water tower about three-quarters filled as of 8:30 a.m. CT.

“We’re good to go,” he said. “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate people’s understanding. Guests with tickets in our dining areas can get a refund or be rescheduled for one of our three remaining race dates by calling our admissions office at 812-435-8918.

"Ellis Park has long faced unique challenges with its water supply. This was not a routine repair, and we appreciate the diligence of our plumbing crews working throughout the night to restore water.”

There was no training for horses Monday but the track always is closed on Mondays. Horses were able to train Sunday, with an alternative water source available on the backstretch.