Kentucky Downs. Live Horse Racing and Simulcast Racing in Franklin, Kentucky

Kentucky Downs To Introduce Instant Racing Games On September 1

FRANKLIN, Kentucky (August 22, 2011) - Kentucky Downs will begin operating 200 Instant Racing electronic games on Thursday, September 1.

A brief opening ceremony will be held at the Franklin, Kentucky race track at 10 a.m. on September 1 when Kentucky Downs will become the first race track in Kentucky to offer expanded gaming options under the terms of regulations adopted by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Instant Racing is a pari-mutuel electronic system which allows players to wager on previously run horse races. Developed in 2000 by Oaklawn Park in association with AmTote, Inc. and other investors, Instant Racing marked the first effort by racing interests to merge the “fun and flash” of video gaming with the wagering excitement of horse racing.

Kentucky Downs received unanimous approval of its application for an Instant Racing license from the KHRC in July. After receiving that approval, Kentucky Downs started renovation of the first floor of its clubhouse to create the venue for its Instant Racing gaming center. The September 1 opening is subject to final regulatory approval of Kentucky Downs’ Instant Racing system by the KHRC.

At opening, Kentucky Downs will operate 200 Instant Racing terminals that will feature six different Instant Racing games. The Instant Racing gaming center at Kentucky Downs will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

"We could not be more excited about taking the next steps in our plans to fully develop Kentucky Downs as a year-round entertainment destination," said Corey Johnsen, Kentucky Downs president. "With the unanimous support of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Kentucky Downs will lead the way in bringing expanded gaming options to Kentucky and to generate many positive benefits for both the local economy and for the Kentucky horse industry."

Since mid-July, Kentucky Downs has hired more than 80 new employees for jobs created as a direct result of the approval of the track’s Instant Racing license. According to Steve Thurmond, executive director of the Franklin-Simpson County Chamber of Commerce, the introduction of Instant Racing at Kentucky Downs will have a multi-million dollar economic impact in the immediate area.

"Kentucky Downs has long been a significant employer in Franklin as well as a well-thought-of corporate citizen of our community," said Thurmond. "We are thrilled that the owners of Kentucky Downs are making the investment in its Instant Racing operation and are grateful for the creation of so many new jobs for residents of Franklin, Simpson County and the surrounding area."

Johnsen added that the introduction of Instant Racing will create new sources of funding for Kentucky’s signature horse racing industry.

"As Instant Racing is rolled out at race tracks throughout the Commonwealth, it has the potential for generating millions of dollars each year for both live racing purses and the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund," said Johnsen. "These new revenues will, over time, help the Kentucky horse industry compete with states that have taken race horses and breeding stock away from the state."

"We're proud to be taking the lead on expanded gaming in Kentucky," Johnsen added. "We are convinced that Instant Racing can and will have a significant positive impact on the Commonwealth in terms of job creation, investment in the state and restoring the vibrancy to Kentucky’s signature industry."

Kentucky Downs is located two miles south of Exit 2 off Interstate 65 at 5629 Nashville Road (U.S. Highway 31W), just north of the Kentucky/Tennessee state border. Kentucky Downs will host its annual live racing meet on the only European-style turf racing course in the U.S. beginning on Saturday, September 10.

2011 LIVE TURF
RACING SEASON

September 10, 12, 17 & 19
Racing on Saturdays and Mondays.
First live race 12:40 p.m. central.

Saturday, September 17
Kentucky Downs hosts the National Handicapping Challenge Tour

Kentucky Downs wants to know:
Who is America's best turf racing handicapper? Maybe it's you.

The cash prizes are there for the taking! Enter the "all turf racing" Handicapping Challenge today.

Click for entry details.

Instant Racing Is Coming
To Kentucky Downs!!!
Click for information >

What Is “Instant Racing”?
Click for information >

What Instant Racing Will Mean
For Kentucky’s Horse Industry?
Click for information >






				Kentucky Downs To Introduce Instant Racing Games On September 1 FRANKLIN, Kentucky (August 22, 2011) - Kentucky Downs will begin operating 200 Instant Racing electronic games on Thursday, September 1. A brief opening ceremony will be held at the Franklin, Kentucky race track at 10 a.m. on September 1 when Kentucky Downs will become the first race track in Kentucky to offer expanded gaming options under the terms of regulations adopted by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Instant Racing is a pari-mutuel electronic system which allows players to wager on previously run horse races. Developed in 2000 by Oaklawn Park in association with AmTote, Inc. and other investors, Instant Racing marked the first effort by racing interests to merge the “fun and flash” of video gaming with the wagering excitement of horse racing. Kentucky Downs received unanimous approval of its application for an Instant Racing license from the KHRC in July. After receiving that approval, Kentucky Downs started renovation of the first floor of its clubhouse to create the venue for its Instant Racing gaming center. The September 1 opening is subject to final regulatory approval of Kentucky Downs’ Instant Racing system by the KHRC. At opening, Kentucky Downs will operate 200 Instant Racing terminals that will feature six different Instant Racing games. The Instant Racing gaming center at Kentucky Downs will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. "We could not be more excited about taking the next steps in our plans to fully develop Kentucky Downs as a year-round entertainment destination," said Corey Johnsen, Kentucky Downs president. "With the unanimous support of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Kentucky Downs will lead the way in bringing expanded gaming options to Kentucky and to generate many positive benefits for both the local economy and for the Kentucky horse industry." Since mid-July, Kentucky Downs has hired more than 80 new employees for jobs created as a direct result of the approval of the track’s Instant Racing license. According to Steve Thurmond, executive director of the Franklin-Simpson County Chamber of Commerce, the introduction of Instant Racing at Kentucky Downs will have a multi-million dollar economic impact in the immediate area. "Kentucky Downs has long been a significant employer in Franklin as well as a well-thought-of corporate citizen of our community," said Thurmond. "We are thrilled that the owners of Kentucky Downs are making the investment in its Instant Racing operation and are grateful for the creation of so many new jobs for residents of Franklin, Simpson County and the surrounding area." Johnsen added that the introduction of Instant Racing will create new sources of funding for Kentucky’s signature horse racing industry. "As Instant Racing is rolled out at race tracks throughout the Commonwealth, it has the potential for generating millions of dollars each year for both live racing purses and the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund," said Johnsen. "These new revenues will, over time, help the Kentucky horse industry compete with states that have taken race horses and breeding stock away from the state." "We're proud to be taking the lead on expanded gaming in Kentucky," Johnsen added. "We are convinced that Instant Racing can and will have a significant positive impact on the Commonwealth in terms of job creation, investment in the state and restoring the vibrancy to Kentucky’s signature industry." Kentucky Downs is located two miles south of Exit 2 off Interstate 65 at 5629 Nashville Road (U.S. Highway 31W), just north of the Kentucky/Tennessee state border. Kentucky Downs will host its annual live racing meet on the only European-style turf racing course in the U.S. beginning on Saturday, September 10. 2011 LIVE TURF RACING SEASON September 10, 12, 17 & 19 Racing on Saturdays and Mondays. First live race 12:40 p.m. central. Saturday, September 17 Kentucky Downs hosts the National Handicapping Challenge Tour Kentucky Downs wants to know: Who is America's best turf racing handicapper? Maybe it's you. The cash prizes are there for the taking! Enter the "all turf racing" Handicapping Challenge today. Click for entry details. Instant Racing Is Coming To Kentucky Downs!!! Click for information > What Is “Instant Racing”? Click for information > What Instant Racing Will Mean For Kentucky’s Horse Industry? Click for information >

Kentucky Downs To Introduce Instant Racing Games On September 1

FRANKLIN, Kentucky (August 22, 2011) - Kentucky Downs will begin operating 200 Instant Racing electronic games on Thursday, September 1.

2011 LIVE TURF RACING SEASON

September 10, 12, 17 & 19 Racing on Saturdays and Mondays. First live race 12:40 p.m. central.

Saturday, September 17 Kentucky Downs hosts the National Handicapping Challenge Tour

Click for entry details.

2011 LIVE TURF
RACING SEASON

September 10, 12, 17 & 19
Racing on Saturdays and Mondays.
First live race 12:40 p.m. central.

Saturday, September 17
Kentucky Downs hosts the National Handicapping Challenge Tour