Kentucky HBPA College Day at Ellis Park Awards $9,000 in Scholarships

A Kentucky HBPA press release/photos by Patsy Foley

HENDERSON, KY (Monday, July 29, 2024) – Sunday’s Kentucky HBPA College Day at Ellis Park awarded $9,000 in scholarships to students from 6 schools across the tri-state area. The event, held during Ellis Park’s nine-race card, saw a record number of college students register for the chance to win a scholarship.

In total, nine $1,000 scholarships were awarded, with one lucky student drawn after each race. Additional prizes included AirPods and an iPad, bringing the total number of winners to 27 across the day. Each registered student also received a food and beverage credit, adding to the day’s festivities.

“This event highlights our dedication to the future of horse racing,” said Alex Foley, Kentucky HBPA Executive Director. “We are grateful to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming and Churchill Downs Incorporated for their support. By engaging with college students, we’re not only supporting their education but also inspiring a new generation of horse racing fans. Congratulations to all our winners, and best of luck in your academic and professional pursuits.”

College Day plays a crucial role in bringing a younger crowd to the track, fostering a new generation of racing enthusiasts and potential industry professionals. The event underscores the commitment of both Kentucky HBPA and Ellis Park to the future of horse racing.

The Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association represents more than 6,000 owners and trainers in Kentucky. We are an affiliate with the National HBPA, which was established in 1940, and represents approximately 30,000 owners and trainers in 23 states and Canada.

Jennie Rees is a communications and advocacy specialist in the horse industry who spent 32 years covering horse racing for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal before taking a corporate buyout. In addition to handling communications for the Kentucky HBPA, Rees is Kentucky Downs’ publicity director, manages in-season racing publicity for Ellis Park and serves as a consultant to the National HBPA. Other projects include the Preakness Stakes, Indiana Grand’s Indiana Derby Week and work for various HBPA affiliates and horsemen’s associations.