Churchill Downs to acquire Ellis Park in Henderson, Kent.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson, Ky., from Enchantment Holdings, an affiliate of Laguna Development Corporation, for $79 million. CDI will also assume Ellis Park’s opportunity to construct a track extension facility in Owensboro, Ky.

Ellis Park, located north of the Ohio River and just south of Evansville, Ind., celebrated 100 years of racing this year. In addition to being recognized as the historic home of summer Thoroughbred racing in Kentucky, Ellis Park also features a gaming venue with approximately 300 historical racing machines (HRMs).

CDI has begun planning to make both critical investments in the Ellis Park racing infrastructure and to construct Owensboro Racing & Gaming, a track extension and entertainment venue at Owensboro’s Towne Square Mall that will feature 600 HRMs, a simulcast wagering center, and multiple food and beverage offerings. During the next ye