Ellis Park Racing & Gaming

1922 – Ellis Park is originally called Dade Park, established in 1922 by the Green River Jockey Club. It was first named after the famous race starter A. B. Barrett Dade, a director and one of the Green River Jockey Club organizers. Although the course was built for Thoroughbreds, its opening race was a Grand Circuit Harness met on October 19, 1922. Then on November 18, 1922, the gates opened for the first Thoroughbred meet.

1925 – After three years of operation, the Green River Jockey Club became bankrupt in 1925. In the same year, it was purchased by James C. Ellis, a Rockport businessman,  who brought many changes to the track, including adding a tote board wagering system and a terrace grandstand.

1938 – A photo-finish camera was utilized for the first time.

1940 – A mechanical starting gate was utilized at Dade Park for the first time.

1954 – It was officially changed to Ellis Park, whose name originated from the longtime owner, James C. Ellis.

1955 – The Miller Field in Owensboro was moved to Ellis to become the new Paddock Grandstand, and new box seats were added.

1956 – After James C. Ellis died in 1956, the track management was passed to Lester E. Yeager. Under Yeager’s leadership, a new paddock and jockeys‘ quarters, clubhouse, and stable areas were constructed.

1957 – The film patrol and a detention barn for post-race testing were installed.

1960 – The new open paddock, walking ring, and jockey quarters were completed.

1962 – A new clubhouse was built to accommodate 1,000 more patrons.

1960’s – Lester gave the leadership to Ruth Adkins in the mid-1960s. Under Mrs. Adkin’s, all attendance and pari-mutuel handle records were established. She also expanded race meets to fifty-nine days from twenty-nine days.

1972 – Ellis Park offered race replays on closed circuit television for the first time during the 39-day meet.

1981 – Sunday racing was introduced at Ellis Park.

1985 – The track was sold to Roger and Lila Kumar in April 1985. Their contribution was building the sky terrace atop the grandstand and pushing for Kentucky’s inter-track wagering legislation.

1989 – Roger and Lila sold the track to the Racing Corporation of America.

1998 – The Racing Corporation of America also sold the track to Churchill Downs Incorporated.

1999 – Capital improvements were completed, including a new finish line pole, improved landscaping, a new jumbo television in the clubhouse, and new chairs in the dining rooms. Purses also rose to an all-time high under first-year Racing Secretary Ben Huffman.

2005 – A tornado destroyed northwestern Kentucky and southwestern Indiana, significantly damaging Ellis Park in November 2005. The tracks Grandstand Terrace, adjacent to the main Grandstand structure, the paddock, jockey‘s quarters, and infield tote board sustained heavy damages. It also devastated 11 barns in the stable area and caused light to moderate damage to several others. Three of the 158 horses on the grounds died from injuries due to the storm. However, despite the calamity, the scheduled 2006 live meet continued to operate as planned.

2006 – Ron Geary, a local Kentucky businessman, purchased Ellis Park from Churchill Downs, Incorporation in September 2006.

2007 – Ron returned the 9th edition of the Claiming Crown to Kentucky on August 4, 2007.

2019 – In the summer of 2019, Ellis Park was again purchased by Ellis Entertainment, LLC. It is a subsidiary of Laguna Development Corporation in New Mexico.

2022 – Churchill Downs Incorporated purchased the racetrack on September 26. The acquisition also includes Ellis Park’s future gaming and simulcasting facility in Owensboro.