In Kentucky and Keeneland Race Course has announced the inking of a deal with the majority owners of the compatriot Kentucky Downs facility that is to see the group work towards bringing new casino and horseracing venues to the state’s southeastern corner.

The Lexington-headquartered track used an official Monday press release to detail that the partnership has already filed an application with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission that seeks permission to build a new harness horseracing track in the small city of Corbin. It explained that the alliance is also asking for authorization to open a slots-only casino some 13 miles south in the community of Williamsburg that would have its license tied to the fresh racing enterprise.

Vigorous value:

Bill Thomason, President and Chief Executive Officer for Keeneland Race Course, used the press release to declare that the envisioned facilities ‘will strengthen Kentucky’s vital horse industry’ while simultaneously having a positive impact on the local and statewide economies ‘by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.’

Read a statement from Thomason…

“Keeneland Race Course has dedicated resources to this region and project for many years and we look forward to working alongside our partners at Kentucky Downs to bring this project to life.”

Extensive effort:

Located less than a mile from Kentucky’s border with Tennessee, Kentucky Downs is majority owned, controlled and managed by a partnership led Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone. This pair used the press release to pronounce that they are working with a plethora of local and state officials to make the planned Whitley County venues a reality although ultimate success is contingent upon both being granted parimutuel racing licenses by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Read a statement from Winchell…

“Horseracing is an extremely vital part of the [state’s] economy. With the addition of a new race track and related amenities in southeastern Kentucky, it will help to continue the momentum we have created for the state and our industry in recent years.”