KyHBPA College Day returns to Ellis Park on Sunday Aug. 9
Kentucky HBPA press release (Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation photo above from 2025 College Day at Ellis Park)
HENDERSON, Ky. (Monday, July 20, 2026) — Kentucky HBPA College Day at Ellis Park returns to the Tri-State racetrack on Sunday August 9 with separate drawings for each of nine races for $1,000, an iPad 11” with AirPods package and $150 Amazon gift card.
A total of 27 prizes will be given out to full-time college students who are registered for the current summer or upcoming fall session, including incoming freshmen. The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association also will provide a $5 betting voucher for every qualified student who signs up for the drawings and is at least 18 years old. There are no age restrictions on winning drawings for the prizes.
First post is 11:50 a.m. Central. Full-time students can register throughout the afternoon to be eligible for any remaining drawings.
Sundays are also Kentucky HBPA Dollar Day, with $1 hot dogs and popcorn, as well as discounted draft beer for those at least 21 years old.
A valid college I.D. or letter of admission is required to register for the drawings, along with a driver’s license. Those attending or enrolled for the fall term at a two- or four-year college, graduate school, professional school, vocational, technical, barber or another post-high school program that qualifies for federal aid are eligible. Students must register in person, be present to collect their prize and can only enter once. Winners will be announced with each race, with all prizes distributed after the ninth race.
“College Day at Ellis Park is one of our favorite opportunities each year to introduce the next generation to our industry,” said Kentucky HBPA executive director Alex Foley. “It’s important for us to showcase not only the excitement of racing but also the many career paths and lifelong connections this sport provides. We’re proud to welcome students to Ellis Park and give them a firsthand look at what makes our industry so special.”
Registration for the drawings will be held in the grandstand tunnel. Employees of Churchill Downs Inc., including Ellis Park, and their families are not eligible for the drawings.
