HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) -
It's the final live racing day of the year at Ellis Park, and track officials say it's been a great summer season.
Thousands filed in throughout the day to place their bets and relax this Labor Day.
Park owner Ron Geary says the park has greatly benefited from elevated attendance this year, and he expects the new instant racing machines to continue bringing in money throughout the remainder of the year.
Geary says once the 2012 summer attendance totals are added up, he expects to see a five to ten percent increase from last year.
"We're going to be tallying up the figures after tonight. But we've been monitoring it along the way, so I'd say the high single digits would be good," Geary said. "Our all source handle is going to be up in double digits, so we're very pleased about that. That's very, a very good accomplishment with the economy and everything. So, we're very pleased with that also."
Along with the solid attendance, Geary says the instant racing machines have been a success. Something he believes will continue into the future.
"A percentage of all the betting on the instant racing machines will go into our purse fund, which will allow us to have more purse money next year and attract more horses. So, we think that's going to be the start of our turnaround recovery that we've been wrestling with over the last four or five years," Geary said.
Geary says that turnaround is dependent on local support. Charles and Belinda Peay, both of whom are originally from Owensboro, say they've traveled from their North Carolina home to Ellis Park for the past 30 years.
"We're not the high betters. We're six, eight, ten dollar betters. It's just fun for us. It's just a great vacation-type scenario that is fun to be here," Charles said.
Geary says the park is very appreciative of people, like the Peays, who continue to show support. With a renovated bar, instant racing, and the opening of a new park restaurant in three weeks, Geary expects that support to continue.
"It's going to be a fun place to be," Geary said.
Geary says with the new instant racing machines, the park will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year. He says their hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
