Churchill deal to buy Ellis Park closes

Churchill Downs Inc. has formally completed its acquisition of Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky., from its previous owner, the Laguna Development Corporation, the company announced on Monday.

Churchill announced the $79 million all-cash deal to purchase the track and its two casino licenses on Sept. 15. Last week, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission sanctioned the deal.

Churchill immediately intends to begin building out a casino in Owensboro, Ky., that had been approved for Ellis’s former owners, Churchill officials said in a release.

“Our team is already hard at work in both Henderson and Owensboro,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill’s chief executive officer.

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