Gaffalione, Asmussen, Godolphin win Ellis meet titles

Ellis Park closed its 25-day summer season Sunday on a high note, generating $77 million in all-sources handle, a 6% increase over last year’s record.

“All of us at Ellis Park are truly grateful to both our local community and the broader horse racing community for their incredible support this summer,” said Steve Roof, general manager of Ellis Park. “This shared enthusiasm drives our momentum forward and reinforces Ellis Park as one of the premier summer tracks in the country.”

Click here for Ellis Park results.

Along with the strong handle, a record $18.7 million in purses were awarded across 227 races, an increase of more than $3.6 million or 24.1% compared to last year. That purse figure includes contributions from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

The meet was headlined by the return of jockey Tyler Gaffalione, one of North America’s premier riders, who came back from injury and vaulted to the top of the standings with 28 victories from 99 mounts, while earning purses of more than $2.3 million.

“Thank you to all of the people who have supported me coming back off of injury,” Gaffalione said. “It was great to have such a successful summer at Ellis Park and I’m really looking forward to building on this foundation for a successful fall.”

Gaffalione’s summer included a six-win day on Aug. 10, highlighted by victories in the $300,000 Ellis Park Derby, $200,000 Audubon Oaks, $200,000 R.A. Cowboy Jones Stakes and $200,000 Ellis Park Juvenile.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen clinched the training title with 15 wins, four more than Brendan Walsh. Asmussen started 143 runners during the meet, with purses totaling $1.2 million. His winners included promising 2-year-old Fuel, who earned an 86 Brisnet Speed Rating in his Aug. 22 debut.

Godolphin led all owners with nine wins from 30 starts, including stakes victories in the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Sprint with Pondering and the $150,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes with Hope Mission.

Horseplayers benefited from a competitive meet with an average $2 win payoff of $12.43 and a closing-day payout of $3,832 in the 20-cent Pick 6, which had a total pool of $866,642.

Live racing will return to Ellis Park in July 2026.