Churchill Downs forms Racing Club ownership group

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs announced Friday that it has formed a nonprofit ownership group designed to expose fans to Thoroughbred ownership, with the stable to be managed by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

The new Churchill Downs Racing Club will consist of 200 partners making a one-time contribution of $500, with free parking, admission, and other benefits being afforded each member (does not include Kentucky Derby and Oaks). The club will begin business at the spring meet that starts April 30.

The horses to represent the stable have not yet been named by Churchill. In a release, the track said “members should not join with any profit motive or expectation of profit,” and if the stable turns a profit, distribution of funds will be determined by Gary Palmisano Jr., the track’s VIP service manager representing the club.

“Owning a racehorse is one of the most exciting experiences in all of sports,” said Mike Ziegler, executive director of racing for Churchill Downs Inc. “We want to introduce that experience to racing fans who may have wanted to try in the past but didn't know how.”

More information is available at churchilldowns.com/racingclub.