On tap at Ellis Park: Competitive racing, College Day, family fun

Ellis Park media notes by publicist Kevin Kerstein (photo of Ellis Park racing by Coady Media/Renee Torbit)

HENDERSON, Ky. (Friday, July 25, 2025) – Ellis Park Racing & Gaming will keep the summer momentum rolling with a full slate of live racing and fan-focused programming Saturday through Monday, highlighted by Family Fun Day, Kentucky HBPA College Day, Dollar Day specials and the return of Mad Money Monday.

A total of 29 races were carded Saturday-Monday with a first post each day of 11:50 a.m. CT.

Saturday’s nine-race program is topped by a duo of competitive first-level allowance contests in Races 8 and 9 – both run at one mile on turf. Race 8 drew an oversubscribed field for open company, while Race 9 features fillies in a similarly deep lineup. Earlier in the card, a 5 ½-furlong maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies in Race 6 attracted a full field of 12 plus four also-eligibles.

Off track, fans can enjoy Family Fun Day featuring a costume contest, photo ops, sack races, yard games, cotton candy and more. The “Heroes vs. Villains” tug of war is sure to get the energy running wild and the first 50 guests through the gates will receive a free T-shirt.

Sunday will feature 10 races, including a competitive maiden special weight for 2-year-olds in Race 5 and a turf sprint allowance in Race 7 starring eight-time winner Bad Beat Brian. In Race 8, maiden special weight company will feature the second start of Only Phil, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby 149 runner-up Two Phil’s. The card concludes with another maiden turf sprint in Race 10.

The action off the track will be just as strong, with Kentucky HBPA College Day taking place throughout the afternoon. A total of 30 prizes will be given away via drawing to full-time college students, including a $1,000 scholarship, an iPad Mini with AirPods and $150 Amazon gift cards. The final-race drawing has been designated the D. Wayne Lukas Memorial Scholarship, offering $2,000 to an eligible industry participant or their college-enrolled child in honor of the Hall of Fame trainer who died June 28 at age 89.

“Wayne did so much to bring younger generations into horse racing and to mentor aspiring trainers,” said Kentucky HBPA Vice President John Hancock, a third-generation Ellis Park-based trainer. “This D. Wayne Lukas scholarship serves to remind us of Wayne’s lasting contributions.”

Matt Hillyard, Hancock’s son and a college student who was slated to work for Lukas this summer at Ellis Park, will present the $2,000 check to the winner.

College students can register throughout the day with a valid student ID or proof of enrollment. Industry-affiliated participants must show a current Kentucky racing license or verify a parent’s involvement in the thoroughbred business. Full eligibility guidelines and race day details are available at www.ellisparkowensborogaming.com.

Sunday also marks Kentucky HBPA Dollar Day, with $1 hot dogs and $3 beers available at concession stands throughout the facility.

Ellis Park will close the extended weekend Monday with another 10-race card featuring standout 2-year-old maiden races and several strong allowance contests.

Fregata, a filly out of star multiple graded stakes winner Farrell, debuts in Race 2. Circle Tap, a half-brother to 2021 Bashford Manor winner Double Thunder, headlines Race 4.

Later on the card, Race 5 features Dade Park Dash winner Troubleshooting in a competitive allowance contest. Race 7 brings together graded stakes winner Mo Stash, millionaire One Timer and the return of five-time winner Oceanic, who makes his 8-year-old debut after more than a year away from the races. In Race 9, Black Gold Stakes winner Camaro Z headlines an allowance field.

To add even more power to the program, $200 will be given away in each race to the groom of the best-presented horse, thanks to the Kentucky HBPA.

Both Sunday and Monday’s cards will include 10 races – with the additional races making up for last Saturday’s canceled card due to heavy rain. A special Mid-Card Pick 4 will begin in Race 4 each day.

For more information, visit www.ellisparkowensborogaming.com.

ELLIS PARK WELCOMES AgREVOLUTION AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF PUCKER UP STAKES; HALLWAY FEEDS RETURNS TO PRESENT THE ELLIS PARK DERBY – Ellis Park is pleased to welcome two sponsors for the premier stakes races of its 2025 racing season.

AgRevolution, a supplier of agricultural equipment in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, will sponsor the $400,000 Pucker Up Stakes (Grade III), to be run Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend. The 1 1/8-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies is the lone graded stakes contest of the 25-day season.

Hallway Feeds returns as presenting sponsor of the $300,000 Ellis Park Derby (Listed) on Sunday, Aug. 10. For over 60 years, Hallway Feeds and the Hall family have been committed to quality horse feed and supplements, crafted using only the finest hand-selected ingredients. Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Hallway Feeds is the only remaining and largest family-owned and locally operated full-service feed company dedicated to the equine industry.

The Ellis Park Derby, run at one mile for 3-year-olds, is one of six stakes races on the card.

For the latest information about the Ellis Park racing season, visit www.ellisparkowensborogaming.com.