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Hunter Rankin Named Churchill Downs’ Senior Director Of Racing

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Tuesday that Hunter Rankin has been hired as Senior Director of Racing for the Company. The role was recently vacated following Mike Ziegler's promotion to General Manager of Churchill Downs Racetrack in December 2020.

As CDI's Senior Director of Racing, Rankin will act as a representative and liaison to the U.S. Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry and champion Company initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing the racing and breeding landscape. He will focus on the implementation of standards and processes outlined in the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (“HISA”) across all of the Company's racing properties while representing CDI's interests as an advocate for important issues and policies within the racing and breeding industry.

“Hunter brings to this role a breadth of relationships he has developed with key stakeholder groups within the racing and breeding industries,” said Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI. “His keen familiarity with HISA will help lead the Company and its racing assets into a successful future within a continuously-changing and evolving industry.”

Prior to this role, Rankin was the President of Sagamore Farm where he oversaw all farm and Sagamore Racing operations while also building Sagamore Farm as a hospitality asset. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Sagamore Development (now known as Weller Development) and as a Partner at Sterling Thompson Company where he managed commercial insurance profiles for large real estate, construction and equine businesses.

Rankin holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is the son of R. Alex Rankin, chairman of the board of Churchill Downs Inc.

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Churchill Rebranding BetAmerica Sportsbook And iGaming Under TwinSpires

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today it will move to a single brand strategy for its online wagering segment by rebranding the Company's sportsbook and iGaming platform as TwinSpires.

The brand transition from BetAmerica to TwinSpires will begin with CDI's online sportsbook and iGaming launch in Michigan later this month, pending final regulatory approval. BetAmerica retail and online sportsbooks operating in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will also transition to the TwinSpires brand during the first half of this year.

The TwinSpires brand has been utilized by CDI's online pari-mutuel wagering business since 2007. TwinSpires is widely recognized within the online betting world for its access to premier world-wide horse racing content, nearly 150 years of wagering history for handicapping races and unique customer experiences at the Kentucky Derby. TwinSpires players will continue to enjoy the same internally-developed, industry-leading technology platform for horse racing wagering and exceptional customer service to which they've become accustomed. For online sports betting and iGaming, customers will experience a new technology platform powered by GAN Limited and Kambi Group PLC.

“Our TwinSpires brand has consistently delivered over 13 years and is associated with more than a century of wagering experience. That history and heritage offers a unique point of difference in a competitive space,” said Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI. “We remain focused on building a profitable sports betting and iGaming business that provides our customers with an integrated experience alongside our horse racing wagering platform. The transition to TwinSpires not only generates marketing efficiencies, but also allows us to deliver a more complete overall experience to our growing online wagering customer base.”

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Mike Anderson Named 14th President Of Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) today announced that Mike Anderson has been named the 14th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby.

Anderson brings to the role 24 years of proven strategic and operational leadership experience at CDI, having recently served as Vice President of Operations, where he led the planning, construction and opening of over $300 million in capital projects across the Company's properties. He joined CDI in 1996 as Controller and has held a number of roles with the Company, including Vice President of Corporate Finance, Investor Relations, Risk Management and Treasurer. Anderson will report to Bill Mudd, President & Chief Operating Officer of CDI.

“Mike Anderson is a uniquely qualified leader to assume the role of President at Churchill Downs Racetrack having successfully and consistently delivered on Company goals across multiple departments,” said Bill Mudd, President & COO of CDI. “Over its 146-year history, the Racetrack has grown into an incredibly sophisticated and complex business organization, and Anderson is poised to lead it through continued growth and success.”

“The opportunity to serve this Company, the Commonwealth and our community as President of Churchill Downs Racetrack is the privilege of a lifetime,” said Mike Anderson. “As a native of Louisville, it is humbling to consider what this historic place represents to so many people. I am eager to build upon the great traditions of the Kentucky Derby and continue the Company's work to establish a legacy of integrity and inclusivity both at Churchill Downs and within our industry.”

CDI named Mike Ziegler Senior Vice President and General Manager of Churchill Downs Racetrack, a role he will fulfill while retaining his current responsibilities as Executive Director of Racing for the entire Company. CDI will conduct a search to support Ziegler in that function as the Company expands resources dedicated to safety and integrity in horse racing. Prior to joining CDI in 2015, Ziegler served in numerous leadership roles across the industry.

“Mike Ziegler brings to Churchill Downs Racetrack unparalleled knowledge of all aspects of horse racing and racing operations,” said Mudd. “This expertise coupled with Mike Anderson's robust strategic and operational skills positions the Company for success and likewise advances these talented executives into roles from which they can maximize their strengths. I couldn't be more excited for these two individuals or our company.”

CDI also announced that Ryan Jordan has been named Vice President of Operations, Corporate where his responsibilities will include operational support for all business units. Jordan joined CDI in 2009 as Vice President of Operations for Churchill Downs Entertainment Group and was later named Senior Vice President and General Manager of Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“I am excited for Ryan to join us in this key position at Corporate,” said Mudd. “It is a great opportunity for him to expand his experience base and further contribute to the Company.”

These changes are effective immediately.

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Churchill Downs President Flanery to Retire at the End of 2020

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that the Louisville oval’s president of 11 years, T. Kevin Flanery, has decided to retire at the end of 2020.

Flanery’s 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009. As President of Churchill Downs, Flanery led a number of significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn’s Steakhouse.

“Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, “not only at the racetrack, but across the Company. His focus on bold capital investments and unmatched fan experiences has had a direct and enduring impact on the success of the Kentucky Derby and his leadership has navigated Churchill Downs Racetrack through many unexpected challenges, not the least of which has been the unforeseen circumstances of 2020. Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement. His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack.”

Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, will act as interim President of Churchill Downs Racetrack until a successor is named.

“It has been an honor to work with a team that constantly strives to protect the legacy of the Kentucky Derby while creating experiences that resonate in our modern world,” said Flanery. “The ability of my Churchill Downs team to listen to our fans and our horsemen has informed every move we have made to enrich the Kentucky Derby for future generations. Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community. I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community and our guests who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood. I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren and visiting colleagues and friends at Churchill Downs as a fan.”

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following a number of key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

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