Reports out of Kentucky indicate that paperwork is pending with the state's racing commission regarding the sale of a harness track to thoroughbred racing and sales company Keeneland.
According to an article on Kentucky.com, the Lexington, Kentucky based operator is partnering with Las Vegas, Nevada gaming company Full House Resorts to purchase the Thunder Ridge harness racetrack in Prestonsburg, Kentucky for an undisclosed amount.
The article states that the new owners plan to move and convert the harness track into a boutique quarter horse facility in an undisclosed Corbin, Kentucky location with hopes to host a dozen race dates during the summer months featuring top-level purses boosted by multibreed simulcasting and Instant Racing.
"At this point, it's not a done deal. But we're excited about the opportunity and hope it comes to pass," said Bill May, attorney for Appalachian Racing's Thunder Ridge, of the plans, which are subject to approval by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
"We think we're putting things forward that will be a great help to the industry and the sport," Bill Thomason, president and CEO of Keeneland, told the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. "We're looking to the long-term, looking to do something big, and it will be special...We think the community will embrace it and enjoy it and it will provide economic gains."
Keeneland and The Red Mile had previously expressed interest in partnering on providing an Instant Racing product at The Red Mile. On Friday, a bill was filed to give Instant Racing state legislative approval. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved the historical wagering platform in 2010, but it had since been challenged by the Family Foundation and is now at the Supreme Court. State approval would likely end the court battle.
To view the Kentucky.com article in its entirety, click here.
(Photo credit: Amanda Stephens)