COVID-19 Updates

August 6, 2020

Per the decision of the Honorable Governor Andy Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to extend safety mandates in our state in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases, all bars and restaurants are expected to stop service at 10 PM until further notice. Consequently, all food and beverage items from Dade Park Bar & Grill and other concession services on-site (including alcoholic beverages), will not be served after 10 PM each day until we are given the all clear to reopen regular hours by the Commonwealth.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our guests while we comply with this new mandate and continue our effortless dedication to cleanliness and safety at Ellis Park during such unprecedented times. Thank you all for your continued support!

July 14, 2020

Effective immediately, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming has increased track and racing protocols/testing requirements.

All jockeys and valets must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken before being admitted to Ellis Park. Once a negative test is reported they will not need additional testing unless they leave the local area, Kentucky or ride/race at another racetrack.

All backside entrants, including jockeys who do leave the local area or the state of Kentucky after their initial test, will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before being re-admitted to Ellis Park.

ALL SHIP-INS will go directly to the Receiving Barn/assigned stall. All horsemen directed to the Receiving Barn/assigned stall may not enter any other area of the barn area except the track kitchen for carry-out food only.

Same day result testing is available in the Henderson area, but appointments must be made in advance. Please visit firstcareclinics.com or call 270-854-3196 for information or reservations.

For more information about Ellis Park’s new cleaning and safety protocols, please visit www.ellisparkracing.com.

July 10, 2020

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming has increased track and racing protocols in compliance with Governor Andy Beshear’s statement requiring facial coverings to be worn at all times in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Ellis Park has been requiring masks for all patrons since July 6th– three days earlier than the official government mandate. All employees and backside personnel have been required to wear masks since the June 8 reopening of the racing and gaming operation.

“Governor Beshear’s actions will make it easier for us to keep our guests, our team, and the entire community safer,” said General Manager, Jeffrey Inman. “It is important to remember that confirmed cases are spiking elsewhere in the United States, so we applaud Governor Beshear’s decision to further protect our residents and we are making considerable efforts to provide a safer environment for our guests.”

Backside, trackside, and racing protocols have also been increased. All backside entrants, including jockeys who do not transfer to Ellis Park directly from another Kentucky track will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before being admitted to Ellis Park.

Inman noted, “With the uptick in active cases, and the highly mobile nature of the Jockey community, we felt it was better to require a negative test before allowing them on the premises. In addition, we now have access to tests with same day results.”

The 98th season of world-class horse racing continues at Ellis Park through August 30th.

The track, which is not racing this week while Keeneland runs a five-date make-up meet, is open daily for Historical Horse Racing gaming and simulcasting.

Same day result testing is available in the Henderson area, but appointments must be made in advance. Please visit www.firstcareclinics.com or call 270-854-3196 for information or reservations.

For more information about Ellis Park’s new cleaning and safety protocols, please visit www.ellisparkracing.com.

June 4, 2020

Ellis Park will reopen for Historical Horse Racing gaming this Monday at 10 a.m. Central.

Following coronavirus safety protocols, the facility will be limited to 33-percent occupancy and every employee and guest will have their temperature measured before entering.

Ellis Park has been closed since March 16 because of the global pandemic. Gov. Andy Beshear late Thursday afternoon approved the opening of Kentucky tracks’ Historical Horse Racing (HHR) operations starting Monday under similar restrictions placed on restaurants. Gaming terminals available for play will be at least six feet apart, with Ellis Park reconfiguring how machines are positioned as well as turning on every third machine. About 130 gaming terminals will be available for use.

Guests are highly encouraged to wear masks or facial coverings. Ellis Park is bringing in additional staff to clean all the gaming terminals and the simulcast area, with disinfectant wipes available for customers. All Ellis Park employees will be tested for COVID-19.

Betting on horse tracks across the country will begin Wednesday on Ellis Park’s second floor, with tables spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart and a limit on how many people can be upstairs in order to comply with the 33-percent limit.

“We applaud Gov. Beshear and his office working with the racetracks to get our revenue stream back up and running,” said Jeff Inman, Ellis Park’s general manager. “This is vital to having a successful live race meet, which is so important to the horse industry in Kentucky and all the businesses in the Tri-State area who benefit from Ellis Park and its horsemen. We know the public is itching to get to some form of new normalcy, and we’re delighted to have our popular entertainment venue back in business in a safe manner next week.”

Ellis Park will open for HHR gaming 10 a.m. daily and be available Sunday through Thursday until 2 a.m. the following morning and closing at 4 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The Dade Park Grill will be open for food service. Alcohol will be available for purchase at the clubhouse bar, with no seating there allowed at this time. Ellis Park hopes to implement contactless ordering via text for food and beverages by mid-month.

Ellis Park also will begin allowing horses into the stable area starting Monday by appointment only. Trainers should contact stall manager J.J. Gloria at 270-454-2361. Horses stabled in the vicinity, such as at Riverside Downs training track, will get first priority. Horsemen also can begin bringing in their tack and equipment and setting up barns this weekend but should contact Gloria in advance.

Horsemen and backstretch workers will be required to have a health check every day before entering the backstretch and be licensed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Ellis Park is scheduled to open for live racing July 2.

Media: Contact marketing manager Allie Sclafani at 772-631-5576 or asclafani@ellisparkracing.comfor more information or to arrange an interview with Ellis Park general manager Jeff Inman

March 15, 2020

Dear Valued Guest,

Upon consultation with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming has made the difficult decision to voluntarily close all customer-facing operations beginning Monday, March 16th at 12:00am. The closure will continue until a time that we are advised it is safe and prudent for the public and our employees to return. We understand that this is incredibly short notice for you, our valued guest, and we apologize for any inconvenience that it may cause.

There is no higher priority at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming than the health and safety of our guests and team members which has led to this unprecedented decision. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the Ellis Park Racing & Gaming Facebook Page and our website that can be found at www.ellisparkracing.com.