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Kentucky casino speculation continues

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January 11, 2008

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Speculation about casinos at Kentucky racetracks took another turn this week as it became public knowledge that track operators are exploring possible options, even locating racetrack casino/racinos away from present facilities.

There has been talk in the Lexington Standardbred community for quite a few years that the owners of The Red Mile have explored the idea of a land swap with the University of Kentucky that would allow The Red Mile to put a racino on land the university presently holds near Interstate 75. The Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper mentioned that possibility in a story in its Friday, Jan. 11, edition. University officials said there is presently no deal in the works, and Red Mile officials did not return phone calls.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, racing officials from Keeneland, Churchill Downs and Ellis Park told a panel of lawmakers that while they are waiting to see Gov. Steve Beshear's proposal for a constitutional amendment to allow casinos, they have discussed future possibilities.

Nick Nicholson, president and CEO of Keeneland in Lexington, told lawmakers that Keeneland and The Red Mile will "go together" on a casino project in Lexington. Officials between the two tracks have been meeting for quite some time about a possible casino in Lexington.

Churchill Downs president Steve Sexton also said that his track wants "the option" to decide where to put a casino in the Louisville area. "It could be Churchill Downs-based. It could be downtown-based," he said.

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