News and Press Releases

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) today announced Eric Thomson as its new Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships, where he will lead marketing, brand strategy, partnerships, sponsorships, licensing and creative services for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Thomson will report to Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Thomson joins Churchill Downs from Pernod Ricard, where he held senior global and regional marketing leadership roles across some of the world's best-known premium wine and spirits brands. Over more than 20 years, he has led brand strategy, marketing innovation and high-profile collaborations across sports, entertainment and culture, including partnerships with the Melbourne Cup, FIFA, Wimbledon, the Australian Grand Prix and the Rugby World Cup.

During Family Fun Weekend at Colonial Downs, “Turbo” lived up to his name and emerged as the top dog by winning the third annual Colonial Downs Wiener Dog races. Assisted by his human Kaitlyn Hodson, Turbo bested a field of 64 Wiener Dogs who took to the Colonial Downs dirt track between thoroughbred races on Saturday. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with the track’s first Princess and Tractor Day and a hobby horse race.

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Newport Racing & Gaming partnered with FIESTA NKY during the second quarter, contributing more than $15,000 and participating in volunteer events to support Hispanic and immigrant families across Northern Kentucky. FIESTA NKY, which stands for Families, Inclusion, Education, Society, Tradition and Access, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Northern Kentucky’s growing Hispanic and immigrant population.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (“NYRA”) announced today the creation of the “Thoroughbred Championship Series.” The new six-race competition will begin in 2027 and establish an annual season-long championship for America’s leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The country’s most iconic racing venues – Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course – will host the six-race series beginning the first Saturday in May.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN, “CDI,” “Company”) announced today that the Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 49% of United Tote Company (“United Tote”) from NYRA Content Management Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of the New York Racing Association, Inc. (“NYRA”). CDI sold a 49% interest in United Tote to NYRA in April 2024, and NYRA agreed to utilize United Tote for their racetrack and gaming related pari-mutuel wagering systems (“tote services”). Concurrent with this transaction, NYRA has agreed to extend their tote services agreement with United Tote through 2035.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today an update on three of its current and upcoming capital projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) expected to be completed in 2027 and 2028. The three projects are: Victory Run, Homestretch Club Expansion, and Infield Seating Upgrade.

On Sunday, July 26, Colonial Downs Racetrack and the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) teamed up for the first Summer Shindig at Colonial Downs, a special day at the track for more than 130 ASCV members, friends, and families. The day featured thoughtful accommodations to ensure a great day at the track including sensory friendly activities, a private space for ASCV guests, an on-track hobby horse race, and a Derby Hat contest for ASCV guests.

Churchill Downs Incorporated team members raised a record-breaking $18,775 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana through the company’s annual Trivia for Kids’ Sake event. The employee-led fundraising effort surpassed CDI’s $15,000 goal by more than $3,700. CDI also contributed $25,000, bringing the total support generated through the event to $43,775.

Churchill Downs team members partnered with Catholic Charities of Louisville to support the Father Jack Jones Food Pantry. They served on Wednesday mornings throughout May and June to help fight food insecurity in our community. Each week, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and assisted with a variety of essential tasks that help the pantry serve local families and individuals in need. From unloading deliveries and organizing inventory to setting up for distribution, assisting clients, and cleaning up, our team was proud to contribute.