Ellis Park Might Close in 2010, Cuts Races in 2009

The future of horse racing at Ellis Park is once again up in the air. The word came today the park might cut the number of race days in its 2009 season and shut down in 2010. It feels a bit like a deja vu. Less than a year ago we were talking about Ellis shutting down for the 2008 season. That was a dispute between the track and the horsemen over the share of money the groups were getting. This time around its about just how much money is coming into Ellis in general. And, it may not be enough to keep this track running. Three words trumpet through the news on ellis for Kenny Miller --- "cut races" and "shutdown." "As a horse trainer, you dont want to hear them words. This is home. This is where we run at." Ellis owner Ron Geary told the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission the money just isnt there, because its going elsewhere. "Kentucky is losing its signature industry," he said. "And, now, because 15 states, many of the around us, have passed alternative gaming at the race tracks, and they have, in turn, raised purses that are basically taking the industry away from Kentucky." Alternative gaming basically means bringing these to this. And, Geary expects a bill to allow slot machines at tracks is going to die in the kentucky legislature this session. Its March. So, obviously, the track is empty now. But, it could be empty year-round. Ellis Park has fallen on hard financial times. And, its not the only track in Kentucky dealing with that problem. Both Kentucky Downs and Turfway are also considering major cuts to their seasons. The track owners say without the extra money from slots. They cant hope to compete with tracks like Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs. "Were going to be able to pay $9,000 a race. And, the two Indiana tracks are going to be in the 20s - $20,000 to $25,000 per race," said Geary. Geary said this has caused a major drop in the number of people planning to run at ellis. But, for local trainers, like Miller, the plan is to keep racing here as long as possible. "Ive been through a lot. Ive been through tornadoes here. Ive been through fires at Riverside. Ive been through Ellis Park shutting down and re-opening. We just keep picking up the pieces and we come right on back."