Officials with the Red Mile characterized the opening of the track’s Instant Racing facility this past Saturday (September 12) as a soft opening, but have stated that the first day of operation went well.

As an article by the Lexington Herald-Leader explains, the new wagering facility, which is a joint venture between Keeneland and the Red Mile, was open for business for the first time on Saturday and attracted a moderate crowd.

The expanded gaming area is the new home to 902 Instant Racing Terminals. The Red Mile’s marketing director, Maria Deluca said that the opening day was a success. Bonnie Murray, a customer from Versailles, also said that she was pleased with how everything has turned out.

As the report explains, Murray described the expanded gaming area as “classy” and “beautiful.” She also believed that saving the historic Red Mile “was the most important thing.”

Deluca, who said that the first day went well, added that the Red Mile considers this to be somewhat of a “soft opening."

(With files from the Lexington Herald-Leader)