Grand Opening celebrations included donation of $25,000 to local non-profit organizations

At a ceremonial outdoor ribbon cutting, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (NASDAQ: CHDN) announced today that Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (“Rosie’s) is now open in Emporia. Rosie’s, located on West Atlantic Street and convenient to Interstate 95, features 150 slots-like gaming machines, simulcast horse racing, a restaurant and bar. At the event, Rosie’s displayed its commitment to the community by donating $25,000 to five (5) local charities: the Family YMCA of Emporia/Greenville, Community Youth Center, Ltd, Emporia Greenville Recreation Association, Communities in Schools of Virginia and H.E.A.R Me Out Inc.

Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations for CDI, stated, “It is very exciting to be opening the seventh Rosie’s in Virginia. The opening of this Rosie’s adds to our tremendous success in the state and takes us to the Southern border for the first time. The Emporia location builds on our commitment to provide more than one thousand jobs and generate significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth by bringing together gaming enthusiasts and the community to experience an exciting and fun activity.”

Jeremy Callahan, General Manager at the Emporia location, said, “I am so pleased to be part of the expansion of Rosie’s in Virginia. We have built a team that is fully committed to delivering a fun experience and economic development to the Emporia community and we are ready to play!”

Rosie’s in Emporia will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. It will create more than 100 local jobs and generate approximately $1 million in annual tax revenue for the City of Emporia.

Since opening in Virginia just five years ago, Rosie’s and Colonial Downs have invested more than $400 million in the Commonwealth; created over 1200 new jobs; and now contribute $54 million a year in state and local tax revenue.

The Dumfries, Virginia, Resort to Open in Spring 2024

LOUISVILLE, KY., (August 17, 2023) – Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced today the promotion of Bobbi Sample to General Manager of The Rose Gaming Resort (“The Rose”) in Dumfries, Virginia. (Photo attached) In this role, Sample will oversee all operations of The Rose that will include a luxury hotel, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, meeting and event space and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose is expected to open in Spring 2024.

Sample is a veteran hospitality operator who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the gaming and entertainment industries, most recently serving as the General Manager for Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland, where she assisted in opening the $54 million casino property and hiring and training 200 team members. Sample is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Prior to her employment with CDI, Sample held leadership positions at Delaware Park Casino and Racetrack and White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park.
“Bobbi’s leadership is a great addition to The Rose, and I look forward to working with her as we move toward the highly anticipated opening and the many benefits this project will have for the community.” said Jack Sours, Vice President of Gaming Operations for CDI.

“I’m honored and excited to further my career with CDI as the company continues to expand and create extraordinary experiences in Virginia.” said Sample. “We’re prepared to hit the ground running and I’m eager to welcome new team members to the Churchill Downs family over the coming months.”

Sample’s promotion is effective immediately. CDI has initiated a search to fill the position of General Manager of Ocean Downs Casino.

Effort to Bring a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Owned by Churchill Downs, Builds Momentum in the City

*** If Pari-mutuel Referendum Approved by Voters this Fall, Entertainment Facility Will Generate Long Needed New Tax Revenue
and Create Well-Paying Jobs in Manassas Park ***

Manassas Park – August 14, 2023 –Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced today a formal court order has been issued placing a pari-mutuel referendum on the Manassas Park ballot on November 7. The order follows a successful petition drive to gain signatures of at least 5% of the registered voters in the city asking that the matter be placed on this fall’s ballot.

Speaking about the strong local support for the petition effort and the upcoming election, CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen stated, “Churchill Downs is excited to have this opportunity to bring our iconic brand and this new entertainment opportunity to Manassas Park. Rosie’s is all about fun with a stage for live band performances, a terrific menu, an opportunity to watch a game or the horses run anywhere in the country, and yes – pari-mutuel gaming. We are already seeing tremendous enthusiasm and support for what we are proposing in Manassas Park. We plan to deliver entertainment, millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the city, and well-paying jobs. We can’t wait to share all the great news about Rosie’s and Churchill Downs with the voters of Manassas Park in the weeks ahead.”

Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums have found tremendous success already in Dumfries, Richmond, Hampton, Vinton, and New Kent County. As partners in those communities, Rosie’s generates economic development, employs local team members, and gives back to local causes and programs.

Manassas Park Councilman Michael Carrera, who served as the petitioner for the signature effort, stated, “I am excited that Churchill Downs has selected the City of Manassas Park for expansion if this measure passes. The immediate major benefit will be increased tax revenues that we have long needed that will assist with additional city services and that will provide the opportunity for much needed property tax reduction for our residents. But the full opportunity is so much greater than that. This is an opportunity for Manassas Park to be associated with Churchill Downs – the biggest name in horse racing and one of the foremost names in entertainment in the country. Rosie’s will be a world class entertainment destination and will help our local businesses grow with greater visibility and new customers. I urge all my fellow residents to vote yes for pari-mutuel gaming. It’s truly a vote for a better and stronger Manassas Park!”

Carrera recently joined fellow Manassas Park council members Laura Hampton, Darryl Moore, and Yesenia Amaya in penning a commentary piece in the Prince William Times supporting the upcoming campaign and noting, “We need new revenue-generating businesses to grow our economy and reduce taxes. Especially businesses bringing revenue from outside Manassas Park into our community. The proposed Rosie’s Gaming Emporium will do just that. If approved by voters, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium will generate millions in new tax revenue to help ease pressure on taxpayers and create new well-paying jobs in Manassas Park. This is exactly the kind of opportunity we need.”
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/opinion/letter-manassas-park-needs-a-lower-tax-rate-a-rosie-s-gaming-facility-can-help/article_105365c4-3241-11ee-a480-d7005d948f2f.html

To learn more about the pari-mutuel referendum, Rosie’s and Churchill Downs please visit: www.manassasparkwins.com

Nominations for Virginia-Bred Stakes Day at Colonial Downs, which headlines opening week festivities on Saturday July 15 with a four-pack of $125,000 turf stakes for Virginia-bred and Virgnia-sired horses, closed on July 1.

The top three finishers in the 2022 Edward P. Evans Stakes were among 20 who nominated for the one-mile turf test open to three-year-olds and up. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Largent, Ten Strike Racing’s Alex Joon and Ballyerin Racing’s Kendama may be poised for a rematch.

In addition to last year’s Evans victory, Largent captured the 2020 edition along with the Bert Allen Stakes the same year. The 7-year-old Into Mischief gelding, bred by Lazy Lane Farms, has bankrolled $609,320 from seven wins and five seconds. Alex Joon, who finished one-half length behind Largent, has earned $232,399 from 25 starts. In addition to his second, the 6-year-old Flatter gelding won a turf allowance at Colonial one month after the Evans. Kendama took third in both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes and sandwiched a second between the pair in a New Kent turf allowance. The 6-year-old Uncle Mo gelding was bred by Audley Farm Equine.

The top three Punch Line Stakes finishers from last year also nominated including D Hatman Thoroughbreds and Kingdom Bloodstock’s Determined Kingdom, who prevailed by a convincing 5 ½ lengths. The 4-year-old Animal Kingdom gelding was also best in the ’21 Jamestown Stakes. The Phil Schoenthal trainee, also bred by Audley Farm Equine, has earned $250,189 from 15 outings. Larry Johnson’s Embolden, the Punch Line runner-up, also took second in the ’20 Evans and reached the winners circle in the ’19 Jamestown. The Michael Trombetta trainee has a robust $342,641 bankroll. Ed & Susie Orr’s Boldor finished third in the ’22 Punch Line and won the Meadow Stable Stakes last summer. The Steve Asmussen trainee captured the 2021 Punch Line and boasts a bankroll of $562,183.

Reiley McDonald’s 7-year-old Hold Me Back gelding Passion Play nominated as well. In 2021, he won both the Evans and Bert Allen Stakes. The Mary Eppler trainee has a career bankroll of $311,497 from 26 starts. In all, 23 horses, age three and up, nominated for the 18th running of the Punch Line to be contested at 5 ½ furlongs.

2022 M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes winner Chambeau heads a list of 17 nominees to the 2023 edition, slated for fillies and mares three and up at 5 ½ furlongs. Owned and bred by Sam English II, the lightly raced 6-year-old Karakontie mare has made just five life starts — all last year. Robert D. Bone and Edward J. Brown Jr.’s Carolina Sun, second in last year’s Gilpin, also nominated. The 4-year-old Summer Front filly, bred by Susan Cooney, had a trio of top three finishes at Colonial last summer. Stonestreet Stables’ Aisha R N, an Asmussen trainee, nominated as well and is fresh off a turf allowance triumph at Lone Star May 11. This year’s stakes has been renamed to also include former VTA Executive Director Glenn Petty in its title, along with Gilpin.

The Brookmeade Stakes, for fillies and mares three and up at 1 1/16th miles, attracted 15 nominations including Chambeau — also nominated for the Gilpin/Petty — and ’22 Jamestown runner-up Bee Mountain. The latter is trained by Ferris Allen and was bred by Audley Farm Equine. Another nominee — Morgan’s Ford Farm’s Surya — had a maiden special weight and an allowance turf win at Colonial last summer. The 4-year-old daughter of Street Sense is trained by Brittany Russell.

Entries close for the Commonwealth four-pack on Wednesday July 12. Colonial Downs ushers in its annual summer racing season Thursday September 13 at 1:30 PM. The 9-week campaign continues through September 9 with cards every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 PM.

Determined Kingdom, winner of the 2022 Punch Line Stakes, has nominated to the 2023 edition, set for July 15 (Coady Photography).

NEW KENT, Va. (WRIC) — On Tuesday, March 28, the team at New Kent’s Colonial Downs race track set fire to the famous Secretariat Turf Course in preparation for the 2023 horse racing season, which is currently set to begin July 13.

Forget trailblazers — the day was all about “track-blazing.”

Because of Virginia’s burn law, which forbids any open flames before 4 p.m., the Colonial Downs team — in partnership with the New Kent Fire Department — waited until just about 4:01 p.m. to get the blaze going. But within two hours, the flames had charred the old layer of grass. It’s a crucial part of preparing the course’s foundation for the new season.

Spokesperson Dave Zenner explained how the smoky sight and smell signal a fresh season ahead.

“It’s really like the kick start of the year,” Zenner said.

Setting fire to the track happens in lieu of traditional methods like mowing or trimming. This modernized method makes the preparation process quicker and more efficient.

“It allows us to get the top layer, the dead layer of grass off and get it off quickly,” Zenner said. “And it puts nutrients into the soil.”

Hold your horses, the New Kent Fire Department was on standby, ensuring the fire remained on-track. This all as the crew celebrated this new season, marking the 50th anniversary of the course’s namesake — famous Virginia-bred racehorse Secretariat’s — Triple Crown win.

Zenner told 8News that Virginia has always been home to powerhouse racers and this year is no different.

“One of the biggest horses for the Kentucky Derby, by the name of Forté,” Zenner started. “He’s definitely the favorite right now, [he] was Virginia bred.”

The Secretariat turf course also happens to be the widest course in the entire country and it’s right here in central Virginia. Once burned through, crew members will add a fresh layer of dirt. Then shortly after, it’s off to the races.

“When you start seeing those things happen, you really know things are getting close,” Zenner said.

WHAT: Yates Construction will host a traditional “Topping Out” ceremony to highlight progress in the building of The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries. When fully built, the $400 million investment project will include up to a 350-room hotel, more than 50,000 square feet of gaming space, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, a space for meetings and events, and over 80 acres of green space with miles of bike and fitness trails, athletic fields, and a playground.

WHEN: Thursday, January 5, 10:45 am

WHERE: 3730 Greentree Lane, Dumfries VA 22026 (This is a construction site so dress appropriately – hardhats are not required during the topping out.)

WHY: The Rose Gaming Resort will generate an estimated $59 million in annual tax revenues and have more than 600 team members. This project will also enhance community partnerships.

HOW: Brief remarks will be made by Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood and other project leaders as part of the ceremony.

Virginia Racing Commission Approves 27 Race Dates for First Season under Churchill Downs Incorporated Ownership

 NEW KENT, Va. (December 14, 2022) – In a meeting held at the Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County, the Virginia Racing Commission approved today a robust racing schedule at one of the nation’s premier Thoroughbred racetracks for 2023. Beginning on July 13, 2023, and running through September 9, 2023, live racing will be held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Colonial Downs in contrast to the traditional Monday through Wednesday schedule of past meets. Post time for each race day will be at 1:30 pm. The annually anticipated $300,000 Virginia Derby will run on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The 2023 live race meet will be the first at Colonial Downs under the operation of new owners, Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”).

“CDI is proud to enter Virginia with an expanded race offering that will allow for more Virginians to attend and enjoy live racing,” said Jack Sours, VP of Gaming Operations for CDI. “Since our acquisition of Colonial Downs, we have remained steadfast in our goal to bring top quality racing and entertainment to New Kent with a product that will attract the best horses, trainers and jockeys and by increasing the flow of purse revenue from historical racing.” 

Colonial Downs will announce purses, special events and other features of the 2023 season as the racing season draws closer next year.

1,000 Birds to be Distributed at Saturday Event

WHAT: Rosie’s Gaming Emporium® in Richmond is partnering with the office of Richmond City Councilmember Mike Jones and Feed More of Richmond to provide 1,000 families and seniors in Richmond with a free turkey in time for Thanksgiving. Recipients had to pre-register to receive a turkey. The registration period is now closed. Twenty resource vendors will also be on hand to provide information on valuable community programs.

WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

WHERE: Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Road, Richmond VA, 23224.

WHY: Service, quality, and community are the foundation of Rosie’s business philosophy. The holidays are a time of giving, and through our Rosie’s Gives Back program we are proud to partner with Councilman Mike Jones and Feed More of Richmond to sponsor this annual program. Rosie’s in Richmond teammates will be volunteering on Saturday to help distribute the turkeys.

HOW: Media is welcome to attend event. Please let us know if you plan to stop by.