“Ownership is laser-focused on the continued elevation of the racing product at their track, and we're appreciative of the recognition by the American Graded Stakes Committee,” Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' Vice President for Racing, said in a press release Sunday. “As delighted as we are about finally getting a Grade I stakes, it's more about the ascent of our entire racing program, with the Franklin-Simpson an exciting result. While we have offered among the highest purses in the world for several years, bringing it all together is the way the horsemen–owners and trainers–have embraced us.”

Under the ownership headed by Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone the past four years, Kentucky Downs has added four Grade III stakes, its first (now at four) Grade II races and its first Grade I.

“Kentucky Downs was a strong regional track when we took over ownership, and our immediate focus was to try to make it more national,” Winchell said. “With our first Grade I and with four Grade II races among our nine graded stakes, we've become entrenched in the national conversation. Our goal now is to make Kentucky Downs an international destination. Part of that is working hard to continue the upward migration of our stakes. We want the Franklin-Simpson to be our first–but not only–Grade I.”

Kentucky Downs' first graded stakes was the Kentucky Turf Cup, back in 2001. The track did not receive another graded stakes until 2017, when it added two. The Franklin-Simpson earned its first grading for 2019, advancing to a Grade II for 2021. The Music City S., run for the first time in 2020, was conducted as a Grade III for the first time this year and will be a Grade II event in 2024.

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The Millions was one of 17 stakes–including nine graded events–that was unveiled Wednesday for the track's upcoming boutique seven-day all-turf meet. With seven races worth at least $1 million, the stakes schedule offers $7.6 million available for all horses and another $6.4 million in KTDF enhancements earmarked for those horses foaled in Kentucky and sired by a Kentucky stallion.

The six other graded stakes offering $1 million in available purses are the GII Kentucky Turf Cup, the GII Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint, GII Franklin-Simpson S., the GII Mint Ladies Sprint, GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf and the GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon. Those stakes, all carded for a blockbuster Sept. 9 program, will have base purses of $600,000 with another $400,000 available for KTDF-eligible horses, which reflect the vast majority of horses racing at Kentucky Downs.

“We are laser-focused on securing Grade I races for Kentucky Downs. Our 2023 stakes schedule is another step toward that mission,” said Kentucky Downs Vice President for Racing Ted Nicholson. “Our KTDF money allows us to run North America's richest two weeks of racing, including the potential to run more stakes worth at least $1 million during a meet than any U.S. track outside a Breeders' Cup host. But regardless of where horses are born, our base purses guarantee everyone runs for some of the largest purses on the planet.”

Ron Winchell, who with Marc Falcone are Kentucky Downs' co-managing partners, added, “We want the Mint Millions to be the pre-eminent launching pad to the Breeders' Cup Mile. Turf milers are among the biggest stars in Europe, and we're giving them a million more reasons to come to Kentucky Downs.”

Three other Kentucky Downs' stakes–the Sept. 2 GIII Music City S., the Sept. 2 Gun Runner S. and the Sept. 3 Dueling Grounds Oaks had their purses substantially boosted to $750,000, split evenly between the base purse and KTDF enhancements. The GIII Dueling Grounds Derby, also on Sept. 3, was raised to $750,000 last year.

The remaining six stakes will be worth $500,000, half from the base purse and the rest from the KTDF.

The overall purse structure for the meet is scheduled for $22.82 million–a track record for the 12th straight year since the advent of historical horse racing.

Kentucky Downs maiden races will be worth $150,000 for Kentucky-bred horses. And the track will once again offer a pair of $250,000 allowance races–one for 2-year-old fillies and one for 2-year-old colts–restricted to horses that went through the sales ring at Keeneland's 2022 September Yearling sale. Those 6 1/2-furlong races will be held opening day, Aug. 31, with all runners competing for the entire pot.

Kentucky Downs will run Aug. 31 and Sept. 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 and 13.

The entire 2023 Kentucky Downs stakes schedule is:

All stakes are on turf and include Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund supplements

Thursday Aug. 31 — $500,000 Tapit Stakes, 3 year olds & up who have not won a stakes in 2023, mile and 70 yards.

Saturday Sept. 2 — $750,000 Music City (G3), 3-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs; $750,000 Gun Runner, 3-year-olds, one mile; $2 million Mint Millions (G3), 3 year olds & up, one mile.

Sunday Sept. 3 — $750,000 Dueling Grounds Derby (G3), 3-year-olds, 1 5/16 miles; $750,000 Dueling Grounds Oaks, 3-year-old fillies, 1 5/16 miles.

Thursday Sept. 7 — $500,000 One Dreamer, fillies and mares 3 years old & up who have not won a stakes in 2023, mile and 70 yards.

Saturday Sept. 9 — $1 million Franklin-Simpson (G2), 3-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs; $1 million Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (G2), 3-year-olds & up, six furlongs; $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup (G2), 3-year-olds & up, 1 1/2 miles; $1 million The Mint Ladies Sprint (G2), fillies and mares 3 years old & up, 6 1/2 furlongs; $1 million Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3), fillies and mares 3 years old & up, one mile; $1 million Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon (G3), fillies and mares 3 years old & up, 1 5/16 miles.

Sunday, Sept. 10 — $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile, 2-year-olds, mile; $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies, 2-year-old fillies, mile.

Wednesday Sept. 13 — $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint, 2-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs; $500,000 Untapable Stakes, 2-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs.

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Thanks in large part to Historical Horse Racing machines, Kentucky Downs was already making plenty of money when Winchell and Falcone took over, but they never grew complacent. Rather, they have continually looked to make Kentucky Downs an even greater success. Part of that has included an expansion of the gaming, entertainment and dining areas, but it has also meant growing the race meet.

During his interview on the TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland, Winchell explained why his team has never stopped trying to grow the race meet, which now includes 16 stakes worth $10 million and three $1 million races. With many tracks affiliated with gaming, racing is an afterthought.

“Obviously, I am heavily involved in horse racing,” said Winchell, the Green Group Guest of the Week. “You don't have an ownership here that is segregated from horse racing, which sometimes happens, especially in other states. Our meet is so unique, with six days and the purse levels, with 16 stakes races and three $1 million races. Really, it has turned into this cool, boutique meet, which is fun and we do well. We don't lose money, where with many locations it's not the same and they lose money and they don't have that tie to horse racing. They really try to make the racing as minimal as they can. We're the opposite. We are willing to spend money every year to grow this into something bigger and better all the time. That's the focus we have when it comes to racing.”

A short meet clearly works for Kentucky Downs, but Winchell said he'd like to see it grow to beyond six days. He said Kentucky Downs will apply for seven racing dates in 2022 and added that management is also interested in possibly running some days in May in the future.

“At some point, we might want to do a few days in May,” he said. “We'd like to do something that would, hopefully, attract some European horses. So, there is some potential to grow more going forward. But we don't want too many days. The short boutique-style meet is what makes it special. It's never just another day at Kentucky Downs.”

Winchell is also a prominent horse owner and he and his family have campaigned a number of stars, including super sire Tapit (Pulpit) and Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), who has gotten off to a fast start at stud.

“The Gun Runners are capable of winning races at six furlongs or shorter, and that's what we are seeing,” Winchell said. “But I think they all really want to go longer. We've shown everybody that these guys can really run, but I can't be more excited to see what the next phase will bring. He's going to have runners in the Hopeful, the Spinaway, the Sapling and I believe there are two that are going to run in the Del Mar Futurity. This weekend will be a pretty defining moment for him, to see if he can take the next step. I'm pretty excited. Gun Runner is my favorite subject right now.”

Elsewhere on the show, which is also sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, Spendthrift Farm, Legacy Bloodstock, the writers reviewed the GI Runhappy Travers day card at Saratoga, generally giving glowing reviews to a day of racing that was among the best offered anywhere and at any time this year.

Click here to watch the podcast; click here for the audio-only version or find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Kentucky Downs and FanDuel — the parent company of the U.S. market-leader TVG racing network and betting platform — announced the three-year partnership today.

“TVG is America's undisputed leader in television horse racing, and Kentucky Downs has developed arguably the best betting product in the industry,” said Ron Winchell, Kentucky Downs' co-owner and co-managing partner. “That includes the largest purses and field sizes in the country combined with takeout rates that are very horseplayer friendly.”

“FanDuel and TVG recognize our value, and we're immensely proud that Kentucky Downs has been added to their sponsorship portfolio that includes the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and Del Mar in horse racing, as well as FanDuel's association with the NFL, NBA, MLB and PGA Tour. That's impressive company to be keeping,” added Marc Falcone, who co-owns and manages Kentucky Downs with Winchell.

FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams and leagues. The premier gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit wagering and TV/media, including FanDuel and TVG, America's horse racing television network.

FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states and 12 million customers. The company is based in New York with offices in California, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon, Georgia and Scotland. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment PLC, the world's largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and a constituent of the FTSE 100 index of the London Stock Exchange.

“We are thrilled to add this unique meet to our stable of horse racing and sports sponsorships,” said Andrew Moore, Vice President of Racing for the FanDuel group. “Kentucky Downs is a special track and the exceptional purses demonstrate the commitment of Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone to staging top-class turf racing. The meet will be covered on the TVG Network, and we are looking forward to bringing some of the finest turf horses in the world into millions of homes across America.”

Kentucky Downs, whose elite all-grass meet is conducted over the only European-style course in North America, parlayed pari-mutuel Historical Horse Racing gaming into unparalleled purses while creating the blueprint for Kentucky racetracks to prosper. First installed in the state in 2011, HHR has transformed Kentucky Downs from a novelty track to industry leader while creating thousands of jobs and preserving exponentially more in the horse industry.

The three-year partnership includes:

// TVG becomes Kentucky Downs' official Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform.

// Being title sponsor of the $1 million FanDuel Turf Sprint, a Grade 3 stakes Sept. 11 that is one of two Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races at the meet. The winner will receive a fees-paid berth in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar. (The other “Win and You're In” Challenge Series race is the $1 million Calumet Turf Cup (G2), a qualifier for the $4 million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf.)

// Kentucky Downs races will air exclusively on TVG for network and cable television, with the exception of NBC showing live the two Breeders' Cup Challenge races on Sept. 11.

// The $400,000 Tapit Stakes becomes the TVG Stakes. That Wednesday, Sept. 8, will be TVG Day, with the racing network the day sponsor.

// FanDuel signage will appear on the starting gate, finish line, paddock and winner's circle, with branding on all staff uniforms. The VIP Chalet — a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned facility with an outdoor terrace providing a spectacular view of the race course — now carries the name FanDuel VIP Chalet.

“It is very exciting to sponsor the FanDuel Turf Sprint,” Moore said. “Any owner of a classy turf sprinter is going to be attracted to a Breeders' Cup Challenge race with a purse of $1 million, and the race is sure to be a top-class event. The FanDuel brand will be exposing the Kentucky Downs product to millions of sports fans nationally and we are excited to be able to bring this unique content to them through the FanDuel Racing ADW product.”

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Included among the changes brought about by the partnership are TVG becoming the official Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform for Kentucky Downs; racing from the track airing exclusively on TVG for network and cable television, with the exception of NBC showing live the two Breeders' Cup Challenge races Sept. 11; a renaming of the Sept. 11 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race to the $1-million GIII FanDuel Turf Sprint; and racing Sept. 8 will be called TVG Day, with the network sponsoring and the $400,000 Tapit S. that day renamed the TVG S.

“FanDuel and TVG recognize our value and we're immensely proud that Kentucky Downs has been added to their sponsorship portfolio that includes the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland, and Del Mar in horse racing, as well as FanDuel's association with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour,” said Marc Falcone, who co-owns and manages the track with Ron Winchell.

Added Winchell: “TVG is America's undisputed leader in television horse racing and Kentucky Downs has developed arguably the best betting product in the industry. That includes the largest purses and field sizes in the country combined with takeout rates that are very horseplayer friendly.”

The meet begins Sunday, Sept. 5.

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“I couldn't be more pleased with the response,” Mack said. “We have an overwhelming number of stalls applied for — more than we have stalls. We're delighted with the response for a new meet. Looking forward to seeing all the horsemen and to hit the ground running coming July 4.”

Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone, Kentucky Downs' majority owners and managing partners, are building a harness track in Corbin in southeastern Kentucky in partnership with Keeneland Race Course. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission granted the owners dates at The Red Mile while the Corbin facility is being constructed. A satellite Historical Horse Racing gaming operation also will be built in nearby Williamsburg to create money for purses as well as jobs in the region.

“Marc and Ron believe in this industry and really want to make a big difference,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' vice president for racing who will oversee the Corbin at The Red Mile meet. “This is the first step. We thank the racing commission for granting us the dates until Corbin can be up and running and can't say enough about The Red Mile for working with us.”

Winchell said that he believes harness racing can mirror the growth that Kentucky Thoroughbred racing has experienced since Kentucky Downs introduced Historical Horse Racing into the state in 2011.

“That includes expanding entertainment and job options in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth,” Winchell said. “We so believe in this project and its bright future that we didn't want to sit out a year while building the track. By funding a 2021 Corbin meet at The Red Mile, we are showing our commitment to harness racing.”

The meet will include two days showcasing Kentucky's county-fair circuit, offering racing for 2- and 3-year-old trotters and pacers. The Mercer County Fair races will be conducted at the meet on July 13. The highest point-earners from the seven-stop fair circuit will face off in the $200,000 series finals on July 20.

The Corbin at Red Mile meet also will include prep races for the Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship and the Commonwealth Series. Both series are for Kentucky-sired horses, as well as the foals of mares who spent at least 180 days in Kentucky in the year of the foal's conception.

The meet's regular races, not counting those funded by the Kentucky Sire Stakes program, is scheduled to average about $45,000 a card while being underwritten by the owners of the Corbin track.

“This is a much-needed boost to harness racing in Kentucky,” Mack said. “We were down at one point to having only one track, The Red Mile, after some of the others closed. Then we added Oak Grove last year and now the new Corbin meet. It's giving Kentucky-sired horses better money to go for, and it's going to provide more days of racing in the state, which was desperately needed.”

Entries for the July 4 opening card will be taken July 1.

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Kentucky Downs will stage 16 stakes worth a track-record total of $10 million, including $4.85 million in purse supplements for registered Kentucky-bred horses. The all-grass meet runs Sept. 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 over Kentucky Downs' undulating, kidney-shaped 1 5/16-mile race course.

The WinStar Mint Million, formerly the Tourist Mile, presently stands as the United States' second-richest eight-furlong grass stakes behind only the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (G1). The race was worth $750,000 last year, while the six-furlong Turf Sprint was $700,000.

Kentucky Downs for the first time has a pair of Grade 2 stakes in the Calumet Turf Cup for older horses at 1 1/2 miles and the Franklin-Simpson for 3-year-old sprinters, now worth $600,000.

“Purses are the economic engine of the racing industry, and Kentucky Downs is proud to be a leader helping Kentucky stamp itself as the premier racing circuit in America,” said Ron Winchell, Kentucky Downs' co-owner and managing partner with Marc Falcone. “We're only six days, but winning one of our stakes – or even one of our overnight races – can make the entire year for an owner. Many horsemen tell us that money they earn at our meet gets promptly reinvested in the industry the next week at Keeneland's September Yearling sale. Such investment impacts countless small businesses that are part of Kentucky's equine agribusiness.”

A total of nine Kentucky Downs stakes received purse hikes. That includes the Ladies Turf (Grade 3) jumping from $500,000 to $750,000. Each of Kentucky Downs' six graded stakes is worth at least $600,000, with the Grade 3 Ladies Sprint joining the Franklin-Simpson in getting $100,000 increases to reach $600,000. The Music City for 3-year-old fillies and Untapable for 2-year-old fillies, worth $400,000 in their inaugural runnings last year, now enjoy $500,000 purses.

The Kentucky Downs' stakes purses reflect contributions of up to 50 percent from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) for horses born in and sired by stallions in the Commonwealth. That includes the vast majority of the horses racing in Kentucky and easily the largest group running in America. The 2021 meet's Kentucky-bred stakes supplements were approved Tuesday by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's KTDF Advisory Committee.

“The KTDF Advisory Committee aspires to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to their approval and direction,” said Bill Landes, the long-time chair of the KTDF committee and general manager of Oldham County's Hermitage Farm. “As such we applaud Kentucky Downs proposed KTDF supplement to their 2021 stakes, allowance and maiden race program. Their program enhances the value of Kentucky-bred racehorses not only at the Kentucky Downs meet but also enhances the value of Kentucky-bred yearlings that will sell in central Kentucky following their meet.”

Horses that aren't registered Kentucky-breds still can compete in some of the most lucrative stakes in North America and beyond. For instance, the $1 million races each reflect a base purse of $550,000 for which all horses run.

The increases were possible because the Kentucky General Assembly in February passed legislation that for the first time defined pari-mutuel wagering, including Historical Horse Racing's innovative technology that allows guests to bet on previously run races in an electronic game format.

“We can't thank the Kentucky Legislature enough,” Falcone said. “We are able to offer among the highest purses in the world because they understood the importance of Historical Horse Racing and passed legislation that ensures a bright future for live horse racing and the Commonwealth's signature industry. The lawmakers' leadership and members of both parties in both chambers saw the big picture and how higher purses lead to a lot of good things happening. That includes increased jobs, economic development, enhanced tourism opportunities and more dollars to the General Fund that ultimately benefit all Kentuckians.”

The lowest stakes purse Kentucky Downs will have is $400,000 each for the Tapit Stakes and the One Dreamer for fillies and mares, both restricted for horses that have not previously won a stakes in 2021. Those races received $100,000 increases.

The condition book for Kentucky Downs' 2021 meet will be available later this month.

Kentucky Downs 2021 stakes schedule

(all stakes include KTDF* purse supplements)
All races on turf

Sunday, Sept. 5 — $500,000 Dueling Grounds Oaks, 3-year-old fillies, 1 5/16 miles; $750,000 Gun Runner Dueling Grounds Derby, 3-year-olds, 1 5/16 miles.

Monday, Sept. 6 — $500,000 Juvenile Fillies, 2-year-old fillies, mile; $500,000 Juvenile, 2-year-olds, mile; $1 million WinStar Farm Mint Million Mile (G3), 3-year-olds & up, mile.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 — $400,000 Tapit Stakes, 3-year-olds & up non-winners of a stakes in 2021, mile and 70 yards.

Thursday, Sept. 9 — $500,000 Juvenile Sprint, 2-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs; $400,000 One Dreamer, fillies & mares 3 years old & up non-winners of a stakes in 2021, mile and 70 yards.

Saturday, Sept. 11 — $1 million Calumet Turf Cup (G2), 3-year-olds & up, 1 1/2 miles; $600,000 Franklin-Simpson (G2), 3-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs; $600,000 Ladies Sprint (G3), fillies & mares 3yo & up, 6 1/2 furlongs; $750,000 Ladies Turf (G3), fillies & mares 3 years old & up, mile; $1 million Turf Sprint (G3), 3-year-olds & up, 6 furlongs.

Sunday, Sept. 12 — $500,000 Music City Stakes, 3-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs; $500,000 Ladies Marathon, fillies & mares 3 years old & up, 1 5/16 miles; $500,000 Untapable Stakes, 2-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs.

*Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund

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Kentucky Downs, located in Franklin, Kentucky, is majority owned, controlled and managed by a partnership led by Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone.

“Horse racing is an extremely vital part of the Commonwealth's economy,” said Winchell. “With the addition of a new race track and related amenities in southeastern Kentucky, it will help to continue the momentum we have created for the state and our industry in recent years.”

“Keeneland has dedicated resources to this region and project for many years and we look forward to working alongside our partners at Kentucky Downs to bring this project to life,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “This project will strengthen Kentucky's vital horse industry and positively impact the Commonwealth and the local communities by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.”

Officials from each racing association are working with state and local officials on a number of incentives and necessary infrastructure improvements to bring the facilities to fruition. Additionally, the venture is working with local investors to enhance the magnitude of the impact to the region.

“Corbin is thrilled to be a part of this endeavor,” Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus said. “The new racing facility will be a welcome addition to our city's already long list of sites and attractions for local residents and visitors.”

“We are proud of the significant investment this partnership is committed to making in our community, and are excited to see the infusion of tourism, economic development and new jobs it will bring to Williamsburg and Whitley County,” Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison stated.

Each facility is contingent upon approval of an initial pari-mutuel racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

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“Horse racing is an extremely vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Ron Winchell, who owns, controls and manages Kentucky Downs with Marc Falcone. “With the addition of a new race track and related amenities in southeastern Kentucky, it will help to continue the momentum we have created for the state and our industry in recent years.”

Added Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason: “Keeneland has dedicated resources to this region and project for many years and we look forward to working alongside our partners at Kentucky Downs to bring this project to life. This project will strengthen Kentucky’s vital horse industry and positively impact the Commonwealth and the local communities by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.”

Officials from each racing association are working with state and local officials on a number of incentives and necessary infrastructure improvements to bring the facilities to fruition. Additionally, the venture is working with local investors to enhance the magnitude of the impact to the region.

“Corbin is thrilled to be a part of this endeavor,” Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus said. “The new racing facility will be a welcome addition to our city’s already long list of sites and attractions for local residents and visitors.”

“We are proud of the significant investment this partnership is committed to making in our community, and are excited to see the infusion of tourism, economic development and new jobs it will bring to Williamsburg and Whitley County,” Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison stated.

Each facility is contingent upon approval of an initial pari-mutuel racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

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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.

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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