On Tuesday, the Kentucky Racing Commission voted unanimously to approve Churchill Downs's official request to lease, own and operate a “racetrack extension” at the new Louisville Thoroughbred Society in downtown Louisville, according to a post on the LTS website by one of its three founders, Gene McLean. The post says that the approval is contingent upon a final approval of an on-going background check on the three principal founders of the new club. That process is expected to be completed in the new few weeks, according to the post.
The Louisville Thoroughbred Society bills itself as a private membership club “dedicated to promoting and enhancing the horse industry in Kentucky.”
Once that due diligence is completed by the Racing Commission and staff, and final approval granted, Churchill Downs will have the ability to operate pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast racing from around the country, and around the world, at the new facility to be located at 209 East Main Street in downtown Louisville. Churchill Downs and the LTS have entered into a lease agreement to allow for the operation.
According to the official request to the Kentucky Racing Commission, Churchill Downs may be able to own and operate up to 12 pari-mutuel devices on the location, where members, customers, and guests will have the ability to enjoy all the amenities of horse racing and wagering on site.
“This is a tremendous step forward in all of our efforts to provide our members and guests with a premium, first-class, top-of-the-line, premium private club that is dedicated to promoting the greatest industry and sport in the Commonwealth,” said McLean, one of the three Founding Members of the LTS. The others are Mike Schnell and Dave Steinbrecher, who own and are restoring the historic property to be known as the Hughes Lofts.
“From Day 1, we have communicated and worked diligently with Churchill Downs about this project. And, without any question at all, we would not be in the position we are today without the considerable help, support, and confidence of the world's most renowned and historic horse racing venue,” said McLean. “They have been amazing partners in this project. Amazing. In fact, I cannot imagine anyone being more helpful, cooperative and encouraging. This is just another example of their commitment to make this the finest horse club in the world.”
An official announcement from both Churchill Downs and the Louisville Thoroughbred Society is expected to be released in the next couple of days.
The Louisville Thoroughbred Society–which will have a state-of-the-art audio and video network at the new facility, in addition to many other amenities, including a premium Cigar Bar, outdoor patio bar and entertainment area, an indoor “library” and meeting spaces–is now expected to open for full business early in 2020.
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