HENDERSON, KY (WFIE) -
Instant racing machines are the latest addition to Ellis Park. The machines are ready for the public along with other improvements and the track will stay open longer each day.
Ellis Park officials say, in addition to the 187 machines that will make their debut Friday, they hope to get about 65 more installed within the next few months.
Owner Ron Geary says, having these renovations complete is something he's been looking forward to for years.
"I'm just excited," Geary said. "It's truly a dream come true. I get a little nostalgic at times."
Friday morning, 187 new instant racing machines will open to the public on the first floor of Ellis Park's newly renovated club-house. It's a $3 million project, with a little something for everyone.
Guests can wager on historic horse races, enjoy the new simulcasting and sports bar areas, and grab a bite to eat at Lucky Joe's restaurant, set to open in four to six weeks.
"A lot of people, if they're getting ready to go out on a date and go somewhere to eat, I think, they'll be wanting to come out here," said Geary.
Geary says the new instant racing area also brings in 78 new year-round jobs. He tells us the Circuit Court and Kentucky Horse-Racing Commission are in favor of instant racing, and although he's still waiting to hear back from state courts, Geary says he's excited to share this new area with the public.
"We have plenty of jurisdiction in our favor and that's why we're wanting to move forward because we simply cannot wait."
Guests we talked with say they're excited about the new money this could bring in.
"It will mean more money for the purses for the horsemen in Kentucky," said Ellis Park guest Thomas Phillips.
And other people, like Ruth Kidwell, who comes to Ellis often from dozens of miles away, say they're awaiting Friday to try a hand at those new machines.
"They've been wanting to get them for a long time. Just have a lot of fun," Kidwell told us.
Again, you can come check out the machines and renovated clubhouse yourself starting Friday morning at 10:00. That area will now be open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.
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Ellis Park Owner Ron Geary says Ellis is the second facility in the state to offer instant racing.
