The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved the sale of Ellis Park racetrack on June 18, the second time in one year the Henderson facility has had new ownership.
The new owner of the Henderson racetrack is Ellis Entertainment, a subsidiary of Laguna Development Corporation, based in Albequerque, New Mexico. Laguna Development is owned by the Laguna Pueblo tribe and operates hotels, casinos and highway travel centers.
Ellis Entertainment purchased the park from the Saratoga Casino and Hospitality Group for $11 million.
Saratoga, which just bought Ellis Park one year ago, will continue to operate the track through the 2019 racing season.
Ellis Entertainment announced plans to invest an additional $55 million to expand the facility for Historical Horse Racing machines. The company will add 900 to the current 300 machines. The new owners also plan to add restaurants and refurbish the grandstands and barns.
