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Kentucky Downs To Open New Historical Horse Racing Hall In September

Kentucky Downs is betting big with the opening of a new 30,000 square-foot historical horse racing (HHR) gaming hall in early September—just in time for its famous live horse racing meet.

The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs will add more than 600 all-new historical horse racing terminals and other amenities that will include a new multi-media Center Bar with an adjacent entertainment stage and a new high-limit betting area. Guests can also join the brand-new Mint Rewards loyalty program that will offer players more benefits, bonuses and recognition, including complimentary food and beverage and tickets to partner events.

The addition of The Mint Gaming Hall is the first of a multi-phase expansion and growth plan that began last year under Kentucky Downs' new ownership. Kentucky Downs was sold in March 2019 to a new partnership headed by prominent horseman and entrepreneur Ron Winchell and well-known gaming and investment-banking executive Marc Falcone. Upon completion of the entire project in early 2021, Kentucky Downs will offer a total of approximately 1,100 HHR games in the 110,000 square-foot facility that will include several new restaurant and dining options and other additional amenities.

“We are looking forward to being bigger and better than ever in September, while remaining focused on current safety protocols for the safety and health of our guests and team,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' senior vice president and general manager. “We are always seeking ways to enhance the guest experience and can't wait to provide more food and beverage offerings, more live music and more entertainment.”

The multi-phase expansion is expected to add more than 75 new jobs with positions in food and beverage, housekeeping, security, gaming technology and marketing. In 2019, Kentucky Downs provided more than $20 million in state/local taxes, wages and benefits and charitable contributions to local Kentucky and Tennessee communities.

“Our growth continues to solidify Kentucky Downs' role as an economic engine for the Franklin-Simpson area and beyond as both an attraction and an employer,” Nicholson said.

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Elkhorn Winner Zulu Alpha Will Defend His Title In Kentucky Downs’ Turf Cup

Zulu Alpha continues to make a case as America's best turf horse at 1 1/2 miles, his three wins in four starts including the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf. Trainer Mike Maker brought the gelding into Sunday's G2 Elkhorn at Keeneland off a 3 1/2-month layoff. After getting squeezed at the start, Zulu Alpha found himself well off the slow pace set by Postulation but closed strongly under Tyler Gaffalione to win by three-quarters of a length.

His next start will be defense of his 2019 victory in the Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs, followed by the Breeders' Cup Turf on Nov. 7 at Keeneland, a race in which Zulu Alpha finished fourth last year at Santa Anita.

“He's had his vacation and Mike's handled him phenomenally as far as his development and progression,” said owner Michael Hui. “This was the first step back, and he passed.”

The owner said not to forget Parlor, an $80,000 claim in March who finished second in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile.

“You were about two inches from a Grade 1,” Hui said. “That was a tremendous high watching Parlor take the lead in the stretch…. It was like 'no, no, no!' And Parlor got the perfect bob and still didn't get it. But that bodes well for Kentucky Downs, because his next start will be the Tourist Mile.”

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Kentucky Downs: No General Admission, Reserved Seating Available For Purchase

Reserved seating for the 2020 RUNHAPPY Meet at Kentucky Downs are on sale now through the track's online ticket office at kentuckydowns.com/racing/live-racing/buy-tickets.

COVID-19 protocols and restrictions have forced Kentucky Downs to adjust its seating availability and admission policy. As a result, admission to the live race meet will be by reserved seating only. There will be no general admission and no tailgating for the 2020 live race meet, which runs Sept. 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16. Horsemen and their employees with a valid Kentucky thoroughbred license will be admitted at no charge but will require a ticket for access to reserved-seating venues.

Ticketed seating will be available in three outdoor areas: an expanded Finish Line Pavilion, Turf Club Tent and picnic tables with all-weather umbrellas. Tables in every venue will be at least six feet apart. Seats must be purchased by the table, with no individual tickets sold.

In addition, a BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) area will be sectioned into 10 feet by 10-feet spaces.

“Kentucky Downs' race meet has become a late-summer rite for horseplayers and sports fans in the region, as well as a bucket-list item for racing enthusiasts across the country,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' senior vice president and executive director. “The health pandemic has turned the world upside down, and we're just grateful that Kentucky has been allowed to safely open up racetracks at a reduced capacity. So we've worked hard and had to get creative to allow as many people as possible to enjoy our racing in person.”

The details:

Finish Line Pavilion: Located right before the finish line and near the paddock, Kentucky Downs' popular seating venue is being expanded to accommodate more horsemen and race-goers. A table of six costs $240, including box lunches and track programs. The area includes easy access to a cash bar and betting windows.

Turf Club Tent: This has been relocated to inside the sixteenth pole from its previous location in front of the main building. The more upscale seating option costs $390 for a table for six, including plated meals and track programs for guests, with easy access to a cash bar and betting windows.

Picnic tables: These open-air tables for eight have umbrellas and are positioned near the racetrack apron just before the sixteenth-pole. At $160 per picnic table, guests may bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages, with the venue in close proximity to a cash bar and the betting pavilion.

BYO Tent: Located in the grassy area behind the picnic tables, guests can bring their own tents to set up in 10 X 10-foot areas, which will accommodate up to six people for $100 per square. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought in, with the venue adjacent to the restrooms and in close proximity to a cash bar and betting pavilion.

Horsemen: Those with a valid Kentucky Horse Racing Commission thoroughbred license, including hotwalkers, grooms, trainers and owners, are welcome at no charge but will not have access to reserved seating without a ticket.

Historical Horse Racing gaming in the main building will remain open throughout the live race meet, as will simulcasting on the second floor, with free admission. Due to COVID restrictions, the number of people who can be admitted is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis for both HHR and simulcasting. Guests will not have access to the racetrack areas without a ticket or KHRC license.

“Our tickets sell very quickly when we're at full capacity with unlimited general admission,” Nicholson said. “So we cannot stress enough how important it is to purchase seats early in order to avoid getting shut out. The good news is that we do have a sixth day this year that should allow more people to enjoy America's most unique race meet, with Kentucky Downs' nation-leading full fields and low takeout.”

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