Turfway Park Sold To Churchill Downs

Turfway Park isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's getting upgraded.

A rendering of New Turfway Park. Photo provided. 

(Florence, Ky.) - Turfway Park has been sold.  

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Friday that they will acquire Turfway Park from JACK Ohio LLC and Hard Rock International for $46 million. In total, Churchill Downs will invest up to $150 million to build a new grandstand and state-of-the-art facility in Florence.  

The closing of the transaction is contingent upon approval by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Their next scheduled meeting is October 8.  

Subject to approval, the 2019-2020 winter thoroughbred racing meet at Turfway Park will be conducted on racing dates previously awarded to Turfway Park for December 2019 and in accordance with the schedule of racing dates submitted by JACK to KHRC for 2020.  

Additionally, upon approval, Churchill Downs will not pursue its previously announced New Latonia Racing & Gaming project.  

Churchill Downs says demolition of the existing grandstand will begin at the completion of the 2019-2020 meet.  

The project will include a historical racing machine facility featuring up to 1,500 machines, state-of-the-art clubhouse, food and beverage venues and a new inner dirt track to complement the existing one-mile synthetic main racetrack. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Turfway Park to the Churchill Downs racing family,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Race Track. “Our team is poised to restore Turfway to its former glory, anchored by northern Kentucky’s first historical racing machine facility. The result will be a first-class racing product fueled by increased purses that keeps high-quality horses in Kentucky year-round and appeals to horseplayers nationwide.” 

RELATED STORIES:  

More from Local News


Events

RCCF Grants $12K to Support Osgood

The grants support community initiatives in the Town of Osgood.

Historical Society Announces Christmas Tree Partnership with Central Elementary School

Each year, a local school is selected to decorate the Christmas tree displayed inside the glass gazebo at Newtown Park.

Local Sports Report - October 16, 2025

Girls Soccer and Volleyball State Tournament Scores.

North Decatur Wins MIFC, Top Performers from Week 8 Announced

The regular season concludes on Friday night.

Local Sports Report - October 15, 2025

Results from Boys Soccer Regional Semifinals.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Chris Young - I'm Comin' Over

Wade Hayes On A Good Night 16:39
Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish Bottle Rockets 16:35
Charley Pride I'm Gonna Love Her on the Radio 16:33
JoDee Messina Lesson In Leavin' 16:26