Officials from Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Christian County broke ground on the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming property Tuesday morning.
The $150-million investment in southern Christian County is scheduled to host its first live race meet in October 2019.
Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery says this is a special project for the region and the state of Kentucky.
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He adds the community support for the project has been phenomenal.
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Phase one of the project will be to build the harness race course, overnight stable facility, and race-day paddock stable facility, which will be completed before the end of the year. The second phase should be completed during the first half of 2020 and will include: up to 1,500 historical horse racing machines, a 128-room hotel, a grandstand with seating for 1,200 and event space for indoor events, a 3,000-person capacity outdoor amphitheater and stage, and more.
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Keeneland Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Gabbert note they brought the idea of the facility to the Kentucky Racing Commission nearly two years ago.
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The 240+ acre Oak Grove Racing and Gaming facility will be constructed on land at the intersection of Fort Campbell Boulevard and Thompsonville Lane, adjacent to the Walmart shopping center.
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