New Ellis Park ownership brings ambitious plans, including lights
{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}}{{dayPeriod}}
Photo:
Coady Photography
Ellis Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Laguna Development Corporation based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, confirmed Tuesday it has purchased Ellis Park Racetrack in Henderson, Ky., for $11 million. Current owners, Saratoga Casino and Hospitality Group, Saratoga Springs, New York are selling the property to Ellis.
The transaction was confirmed by both parties following approval for the issuance of a racing license to Ellis by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Saratoga will continue to operate the racetrack and will serve as managers and operators during the 2019 racing season through a management agreement with the New Mexico buyers. Ellis Entertainment will operate the Historical Horse Racing facility and immediately begin maintenance and facility upgrades as part of a comprehensive remodeling and expansion plan.
Kevin Greer, managing partner for Ellis Entertainment said, “We are both honored and excited for the opportunity to purchase Ellis Park, one of Kentucky’s oldest and most revered racetracks. We appreciate the knowledge and support the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has provided us while we prepare to restore Ellis Park to its rightful place as one of the Bluegrass State’s premier racing facilities.”
"We remain committed to the upcoming racing season at Ellis Park and ensuring that it is one of the most successful the property has seen in years,” said Daniel Gerrity, president of Saratoga Casino & Hospitality Group. “We look forward to working closely with Ellis Entertainment in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition of ownership."
Ellis also announced they will invest an additional $55 million at the property to include an expanded Historical Horse Racing facility, addition of lights, new and improved food and beverage offerings, refurbishment of the grandstands and barns along with a number of upgrades to both the public facilities and back-of-house operations.
“Ellis Entertainment brings a vastly experienced group of professionals to this project who will work alongside the track's current management team to insure our guests have a first-class experience. We will follow our parent companies' longstanding and highly successful commitment to quality, service and value. We look forward to being productive and engaged members of the local business community,” Greer said.
The transfer of ownership is scheduled to be completed within the next several days.
Read More
We all know the feeling. Every year right after the Breeders’ Cup, the hangover hits. For me, it...
C2 Racing Stable and Gary Barber issued the following statement Tuesday regarding the post-parade scratch of White Abarrio...
The Grade 3 Mother Goose Stakes on Saturday at Aqueduct is a competitive matchup between established Grade 1...
This week's Prospect Watch showcases young horses with elite bloodlines making their debuts and early career starts across...
While most attention was on the Breeders' Cup last week, several horses got their first wins in impressive...