Ellis Park reopens to fans on Friday after opening-day water issue

Ellis Park’s racing and gaming facility will operate as normal Friday following unexpected water issues that caused Thursday’s opening day racing program to be conducted without fans and the gaming facility to be closed.

First post for Friday’s live racing card is 12:50 p.m. EDT. The gaming facility reopened at 9 a.m. EDT.

“Thank you to our staff, the local Henderson community and racing fans for their patience as we dealt with an unexpected water issue caused by storms Wednesday evening,” Ellis Park general manager Matt Pressley said. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone out at the track today.”

Ellis has nine races on tap for Friday. The feature is a seven-furlong dirt sprint for 3-year-old fillies who are non-winners of two races lifetime. In the field of 11, Lotsandlotsofcandy is the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

The Paul McGee trainee, a daughter of Twirling Candy, finished last on a troubled debut at Keeneland in April but bounced back to romp by seven lengths in a maiden special weight June 8 at Churchill Downs.