Ellis

Ellis Park will launch its 25-day summer meet July 3, headlined by record stakes purses, top racing connections, fan-friendly wagering menus, and a full calendar of community events both on and off the track.

Record stakes purses await this summer at Ellis Park, where $4 million is available across 18 races during the 25-day season that begins Thursday, July 3.

Baley Hare, an experienced racing official and third-generation horseman, has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

Ellis Park, which experienced flooding and wind damage following heavy rains earlier this month, will delay the pre-meet opening of its backstretch for training, according to Gary Palmisano, vice president of racing for CDI.

A filly by Satono Aladdin, during Book 2 of the NZ Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale Jan. 29, provided fireworks late when Marcus Corban, acting on behalf of Te Akau's David Ellis, snapped up the youngster for a session-topping NZ$260,000.

The historic water tower at Ellis Park, a fixture of the landscape at the Henderson, Ky., track, is coming down.

"Glenn was the heart and soul of Ellis Park's track maintenance for decades,"- Dan Bork, racing secretary of Ellis Park.

Ellis Park wrapped its meet with another record-breaking year, concluding with a 20% increase in all-sources handle. A total of $72.7 million was wagered across the 25-day meet, surpassing last year's record by $12.2 million.

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky said no foul play is suspected after the bodies of two individuals were found in the overnight hours Aug. 27 at Ellis Park.