Ellis Park owner Ron Geary says he is hoping to have gambling machines functioning before the track's summer meet ends on Labor Day. Geary said Tuesday the track is going ahead with installing instant racing machines. Geary says he is negotiating with investment groups and is seeking a partner to provide the 3-million dollars needed to finish remodeling part of the clubhouse into a casino-style facility.

Whether the slot-like game is legal in Kentucky is an issue that remains to be resolved in court. The Court of Appeals earlier this month ordered the trial judge to allow the parties to explore issues surrounding the game. In instant racing, patrons bet on historic races without knowing the names of the trainers, jockeys or horses involved.