SARATOGA HARNESS RACING, INC. PARTNERS WITH ELLIS PARK RACE COURSE

9/18/2012 3:27:29 PM

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (September 18, 2012) – Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. (Saratoga), owner of Saratoga Casino and Raceway in Saratoga Springs, NY, received unanimous approval today by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to enter into an agreement with Ellis Park Race Course (Ellis) in Henderson, Kentucky that provides for an equity ownership stake in Ellis.

Upon conclusion of the hearing today, Saratoga was granted licensure allowing for the $4 million deal to close, providing Saratoga with 30% ownership at Ellis.
The agreement also provides for Saratoga to oversee all operational activities at the historic race track, including the recent installation of 187 instant racing machines. Instant racing machines are an exciting new wagering option authorized by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which combines wagering on historical horse races with the speed and flash of video gaming. Under the terms of the agreement, SHRI will invest the capital needed to complete the remodeling of the ground floor of the clubhouse into an exciting new venue for the guests of Ellis to enjoy the Instant Racing Machines.

Ron Geary, owner of Ellis Park, said the deal will generate new revenue for the track, and was a natural fit when reviewing prospects.  “Saratoga brings a wealth of experience to Ellis Park,” he said.  “Their commitment to excellence will help ensure that instant racing machines are successful in bringing much needed support to Kentucky horse racing.  I’m proud to partner with such a dedicated team and look forward to our future together.” 

Saratoga has been working closely with Geary for several weeks to prepare for the launch of Instant Racing Machines at Ellis, which opened to the public August 31.

“Ellis Park is a 90-year old race track steeped in racing tradition and revered throughout the country,” said  Dan Gerrity, President of Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. “Their commitment to both Kentucky horse racing and their local community is to be applauded and we look forward to helping expand upon what is already a long and storied history.”

The partnership also represents great opportunity for economic development. The $3 million project to remodel the ground floor of the clubhouse required dozens of construction workers and has generated an additional 90 year-round jobs to support the new Instant Racing Machines and other offerings.

“The instant racing machines will also help to bolster racing purses and generate more revenue in order to better compete with surrounding casinos,” Geary said. “With Saratoga’s partnership, Ellis Park will be able to offer more ways to inspire tourism, emphasizing our heritage and benefitting the community.”

The expansion of the facility also brings plans for a new eatery based on Saratoga’s “Lucky Joe’s” and a large-scale bar, featuring many television screens for simulcast racing.
Guests will now be able to visit the property to play the machines from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m., seven days a week. Simulcast programs will also now be offered daily, which had originally only been available Wednesday through Sunday.


SHRI owns and operates Saratoga Casino and Raceway, in Saratoga Springs, NY, featuring over 1,700 slots; electronic table games; Vapor Night Club; two full-service restaurants with buffets; a casual dining restaurant; three full-service bars; a deli; live harness racing; and simulcast wagering. SHRI is also a partner with Delaware North Companies in the operation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Springs, NY.  Additional information about Saratoga Casino and Raceway can be found at the property’s website, www.saratogacasino.com.

Ellis Park, located in Henderson, KY, is an historic thoroughbred track featuring an annual race meet, simulcast wagering and nearly 200 Instant Racing Machines. Operating hours for simulcast and IRM’s are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. The live racing runs July 4 and runs through Labor Day, with first post at 12:50 p.m. Ellis Park also runs wiener dog, ostrich and camel races during the season. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.ellisparkracing.com. Must be 18 years of age or older to wager.

Media Contact Information:

Rita Cox
Senior Vice President Marketing
Saratoga Casino and Raceway
(518) 581-5716

Robyn Oglesby
Marketing Manager
Ellis Park
(812) 435-8904

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