Ellis Park Racing & Gaming's summer meet concluded with a record-breaking performance, reporting a 20% increase in all-sources handle compared to the previous year. Over the 25-day meet, a total of $72.7 million was wagered, surpassing last year's record by $12.2 million.
"We are thrilled with the results of this year's meet, both in terms of record-breaking handle and the outstanding quality of racing," said Ellis Park general manager Matt Pressley. "We owe our success to the dedication of our staff, horsemen and women, horseplayers, and our local community. Thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated, Ellis Park is positioned for continued growth and success."
Throughout the meet, over $15.1 million in purses were awarded across 228 races, marking a 7% increase from 2023, which had already been a record-setting year with a 49% increase in purses. This year’s meet included one additional day and benefitted from funds provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
Jockey Jaime Torres topped the rider standings with 21 wins from 134 starts. Torres, who also won this year’s Preakness Stakes (Grade I) aboard Seize the Grey, split his time between Saratoga and Ellis Park this summer, earning $1.2 million in purses. Luan Machado closely followed with 20 victories and led all jockeys in earnings with $1.5 million. Cristian Torres secured third place with 17 wins.
In the trainer standings, Brendan Walsh and Steve Asmussen tied for first place, each securing 14 wins. Asmussen, who made 139 starts at the meet, earned $809,118 with his runners. Walsh, who won with 20% of his horses from 70 starts, led all trainers in earnings with $1.1 million, highlighted by wins in the $400,000 Pucker Up Stakes (GIII) with Waves of Mischief and the $250,000 Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby with Cameo Performance.
Godolphin dominated the owner standings for the second consecutive year, winning 12 of 24 starts and earning $604,712 in purses. Steve Asmussen finished a strong second with seven wins from 21 starts.
Live racing is scheduled to return to Ellis Park in early July 2025.