Ground broken for new KY harness track

[Zoooooming By!]

Churchill Downs Incorporated, in partnership with Keeneland Association, broke ground today on a $150 million, state-of-the-art, live and historical horse racing venue in Oak Grove, Ky. CDI and Keeneland also unveiled the name and branding for the venue, which will be called Oak Grove Racing & Gaming.
 
The new facility will be constructed in two overlapping phases. The first phase will include the development and construction of the harness race course, overnight stable facility and race-day paddock stable facility which will be completed in time for our inaugural live race meet in October 2019.
 
The second phase of the project, scheduled to open in the first half of 2020, will feature up to 1,500 historical horse racing machines; a 128-room hotel; a grandstand with seating capacity for 1,200 and event space for indoor events; a 3,000-person capacity outdoor amphitheater and stage; an equestrian center including indoor and outdoor arenas as well as a 30 pad RV park.
 
“Horse racing is an integral part of Kentucky’s history and culture, and Churchill Downs is thrilled to further invest in our state’s signature industry through Oak Grove Racing & Gaming,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “We have seen the tremendous impact Derby City Gaming in Louisville has already had on both the racing industry and local community, and we expect the same degree of success here in Christian County.”
 
“Keeneland is proud to play a role in strengthening the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry and creating new opportunities for horsemen and racing enthusiasts in Kentucky and beyond,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Gabbert said. “The jobs, tourism, and revenue generated by Oak Grove Racing & Gaming is good news, not just for Christian County, but for all of Kentucky. A win for horse racing is a win for us all.”
 
Oak Grove Racing & Gaming is the only venue of its kind in Kentucky and will be a welcome addition to Christian County. The facility is expected to create nearly 400 direct full- and part-time equivalent positions and an estimated 800 direct construction jobs. More information regarding job fairs and hiring will be released in the coming months.
 
In December 2018, CDI and Keeneland announced they had been awarded a racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for 12 live Standardbred racing dates in 2019 at Oak Grove. The new venue replaces important Standardbred racing opportunities lost due to the closure of Thunder Ridge Park in eastern Kentucky.

[Harnessfan902]

No barn area and 4 hours from the closest track.    Another mockery of Kentucky

[Homer Report]

 THE TRACK WILL HELP RAISE PURSE MONEY FOR ALL HARNESS TRACKS IN KY.  AND THAT IS A GOOD THING.

  YOU BUSTOUT LOSERS HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING, I WISH THEM NOTHING BUT THE BEST.

[Rabbi Of Racing]

That is 12 race dates to many,what a joke

[Perry Boy]

What harness tracks in Kentucky? Oh, you mean Lexington. How many dates do they race? 20? Once again, rotten scum casino owners got their hooks into racing. They will do the bare minimum allowed by law to stay open so they can make millions with slots and now historical race machines. You're the bust out loser who's buying in to their ploys.

You were probably a huge piece of shit as a horseman, but I bet it was always someone else's fault when you lost.  Everyone else cheated

[kantseeback]

What harness tracks in Kentucky? Oh, you mean Lexington. How many dates do they race? 20? Once again, rotten scum casino owners got their hooks into racing. They will do the bare minimum allowed by law to stay open so they can make millions with slots and now historical race machines. You're the bust out loser who's buying in to their ploys.

don't forget that great Kentucky track thunder ridge and their huge wagering pools.

[Pacers69]

The question is without a longer meet theyvwont be able to fill cards and Casino can operate because of lack of entries. 12 days hurts anybody thinking of racing there. Why not say no racing or they guarantee them 30 days at a minmum. Will they send there signal out or be like the other D tracks in Ky

[The Exporter]

Sounds like it will be 12 days of state breds.

[kantseeback]

I forgot about Thunder Ridge. One race had 7 bucks total wagered and I got some idiot named Perry Boy telling me I am a piece of shit for criticizing Kentucky Harness Racing. More money is wagered at a local church bingo night.

the biggest hillbilly harness family calls the shots there

loney

[Homer Report]

 the 12 dates mentioned are for later 2019, after red mile closes,  Ky also races at players Bluegrass in june and early july, then red mile late july, august and September, ending with grand circuit in October

The new track will replace thunder ridge, one of the most beautiful tracks in racing and will apply for more dates in 2020 to keep a full circuit of dates available for our horsemen

[horses first]

MC, quote...rotten scum casino owners got their hooks into racing. The Red Mile historic gaming machines and renovated casino isn't owned by any casino operator...but by Regal, a couple other harness guys and Keenland. The new one being built will be owned by Churchill and Keenland. I suppose you can still refer them to scum but they always had a hook in horse racing...since technically they are horse racing. Red Mile has 33 dates. It's been a breeders meet and I would guess if the money poured in faster it would stay a breeders meet...with higher purses. Is it a bad thing? Keenland has a short spring and fall meet. Keenland handled 157mln last year for its 2018 spring meet. 2nd highest total ever.

[MR.DALRAE]

Decoupling is closer than you think,,,IMO

[horses first]

I agree any harness track without slots or poker rooms would be closed. Hawthorne chugging along on a lot of dark days and a better handle then most tracks but 2. The historic slot machines the Red Mile put in along with the 42mln in improvements. There hasn't been a big yield for those who invested that money. There is no debating how broken this sport is. I would think most people are or should be on the same page. Love the sport. Fans have left. Hate the drugs. Without slots...turn the lights out.

[Pacers69]

the 12 dates mentioned are for later 2019, after red mile closes,  Ky also races at players Bluegrass in june and early july, then red mile late july, august and September, ending with grand circuit in October

The new track will replace thunder ridge, one of the most beautiful tracks in racing and will apply for more dates in 2020 to keep a full circuit of dates available for our horsemen

If only that was true it would be great for the horsemen down under

[Pacers69]

I agree any harness track without slots or poker rooms would be closed. Hawthorne chugging along on a lot of dark days and a better handle then most tracks but 2. The historic slot machines the Red Mile put in along with the 42mln in improvements. There hasn't been a big yield for those who invested that money. There is no debating how broken this sport is. I would think most people are or should be on the same page. Love the sport. Fans have left. Hate the drugs. Without slots...turn the lights out.

I disagree because there is bigger attendance by far at the tracks without slots. Gamblers prefer a quick loss then sitting through an entire card so that’s why casinos have less crowds. Looks at Pocono and Yonkers with the slots it’s terrible.