Ellis Park Concludes Meet With 22 Percent Increase In All

Aug 16, 2023

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming's summer season has come to a close with a substantial 22% gain in all-sources handle and 48% increase in prize money awarded.

In total, more than $60.4 million was wagered at the 24-day Ellis Park meet, $11 million more than 2022. Along with the sizable handle increase, the connections who raced at Ellis Park were rewarded with more than $14.1 million in prize money, an increase of 49% from 2022. (includes funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund).

“The racing season at Ellis Park has been a great success,” Ellis Park General Manager Matt Pressley said. “Our team delivered a top-class racing product for our fans on-track and around the country. We're grateful to everyone who competed with us this summer and to the horseplayers who supported us through the windows. Thanks to the continued investments of Churchill Downs Incorporated we can look forward to a thriving future of horse racing at Ellis Park.”

At the close of the summer season, jockey Gerardo Corrales, trainer Brad Cox and Godolphin wrapped up titles in their respective divisions.

Corrales, who is represented by Cliff Collier, won his second-straight title at the Pea Patch. The Panama native tallied 28 victories from 124 starts. He finished seven wins clear of Cristian Torres (21) who was followed by Rafael Bejarano (18), Francisco Arrieta (16) and Declan Cannon (16).

Corrales' solid season at Ellis Park was highlighted by victories aboard Me and Mr. C in the $250,000 Ky Downs Preview Turf Cup and Falconet in the $150,000 Groupie Doll Stakes.

Cox recorded his fifth-lifetime meet title at Ellis Park with 21 victories. Cox's successful summer at Ellis Park was highlighted by Wadsworth's victory in the $200,000 Ky Downs Preview Dueling Grounds Derby and debut wins by several promising 2-year-olds including Awesome Road. Cox's local stable is represented by his longtime assistant trainer Jorje Abrego.

Steve Asmussen finished second in the Ellis Park standings with 12 victories. He was followed in order by Paulo Lobo (9), Brendan Walsh (8), Eddie Kenneally (7) and Brian Lynch (7).

Godolphin's seven victories from 21 starters led all owners. Larry Best's OXO Equine finished second with six wins, three wins in front of Calumet Farm, Juan Cano, Steve Asmussen and Rocket Ship Racing.

Racing in the Bluegrass will now shift to Kentucky Downs for their boutique meeting, which will be followed by the Churchill Downs September Meet that begins Sept. 14.

The 2024 season at Ellis Park will open in early July.

For more information about racing and gaming from Ellis Park, visit www.ellisparkracing.com.