FRANKLIN, Ky. (Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021) — Kentucky Downs has reached an agreement with all the major simulcast outlets and account-wagering platforms to take bets on the six-date all-turf meet except the New York Racing Association and its affiliated online-arm NYRA Bets as well as some of the tracks and outlets they represent in the simulcasting market.
Kentucky Downs opens this Sunday and continues through Labor Day Monday and Sept. 8, 9, 11 and 12.
The lack of a signed contract means that horseplayers at NYRA’s three tracks as well as NYRA Bets account-holders will not be able to place wagers on Kentucky Downs. (New York state’s regional OTB networks are not impacted.)
Kentucky Downs is the host track for inter-track and whole-card wagering in Kentucky during its live race meet. As a result of the impasse, horseplayers betting on-site at any of the Kentucky tracks likewise will not be able to wager on the last two days of Saratoga’s meet, Sunday and Monday. Online betting platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires and Xpressbet are not affected.
“We are disappointed and saddened by NYRA’s decision but also understand and accept it,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ Vice President for Racing. “We want to let horseplayers know in advance so they aren’t caught off-guard. We are confident that New York horseplayers will find alternative ways to wager on Kentucky Downs and look forward to resolving this issue at some point with NYRA.”
Kentucky Downs Press Release
