Ellis Park wagering up 20%, purses up 7%

Ellis Park press release by publicist Kevin Kerstein (Coady Media photo)

HENDERSON, Ky. (Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024) – Ellis Park Racing & Gaming’s summer season has wrapped up with another record-breaking year, concluding with a 20% increase in all-sources handle. This year, a total of $72.7 million was wagered across the 25-day meet, surpassing last year’s record by $12.2 million.

“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s meet, both in terms of record-breaking handle and the outstanding quality of racing,” said Ellis Park general manager Matt Pressley. “We owe our success to the dedication of our staff, horsemen and women, horseplayers and our local community. Thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated, Ellis Park is positioned for continued growth and success.”

Competitors were handsomely rewarded throughout the meet, with more than $15.1 million in purses awarded across 228 races – an increase of 7% from 2023, which itself was a record-breaking year with a 49% increase in purses. This year’s meet ran one additional day compared to last year. (includes funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund)

          Jockey Jaime Torres topped the rider standings with 21 wins from 134 starts. Torres, who also won this year’s Preakness Stakes (Grade I) aboard Seize the Grey, split his time between Saratoga and Ellis Park this summer, earning $1.2 million in purses. Luan Machado finished just one win behind Torres with 20 victories and led all jockeys in purse earnings with $1.5 million. Cristian Torres finished third with 17 wins.

Trainer standings saw Brendan Walsh and Steve Asmussen finish in a tie for first place, each securing 14 wins. Asmussen, who made a remarkable 139 starts at the meet, earned $809,118 with his runners. Walsh, who won with 20% of his horses from 70 starts, led all trainers in earnings with $1.1 million, highlighted by victories in the $400,000 Pucker Up Stakes (GIII) with Waves of Mischief and the $250,000 Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby with Cameo Performance.

          Godolphin dominated the owner standings for the second consecutive year, winning 12 of 24 starts and earning $604,712 in purses. Steve Asmussen finished a strong second with seven wins from 21 starts.

          Live racing will return to Ellis Park in early July 2025. For latest information about gaming promotions throughout the year, visit www.ellisparkracing.com.