Ground Broken For New Oak Grove Racing And Gaming Facility

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.

Christian County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelli Pendleton says the facility will bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

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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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Oak Grove Mayor Theresa Jarvis says she is excited the city will become a part of the state’s horse racing culture.

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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.