The ownership of Kentucky Downs has filed an application with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to build a Standardbred track in Oak Grove. The track will be named Oak Grove Meadows and will consist of 80 acres near the intersection of Interstate 24 and U.S. 41-A/Fort Campbell Boulevard, near Fort Campbell and Clarksville, according to a release. Kentucky Down is committing $45 million to the Oak Grove project and plans to spend an additional $25 million to expand its existing track in Franklin.
Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen has been involved in opening or reopening five tracks in the United States and Latin America. He says they have been working with the Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s Association and the City of Oak Grove for a number of years to fill a void in the Standardbred circuit and to create an entertainment and tourist destination in southwest Kentucky that complements existing businesses and enterprises. He adds they appreciate the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission opening up applications for new licenses.
According to the release, the proposed track would race 15 days from October 11 to November 10, 2019, with purses fueled year-round by up to 500 Exacta Systems historical horse racing (HHR) terminals. The harness track will be five-eighths of a mile with 450 stalls.
The major expansion at the existing track in Franklin includes doubling the size of the main building housing its historical racing and simulcasting operation, constructing a state-of-the-art equestrian complex, adding 800 HHR terminals, and a full-service steakhouse and sports lounge.
Officials with Kentucky Downs say Populous, a global design and architectural firm known for the renovation and expansion of the world-class facilities such as Ascot Racecourse and Yankee Stadium, has been retained for both the Oak Grove Meadows and the expansion in Franklin.
Johnsen says they have developed expertise in operating historical horse racing and marketing to the Nashville region, and they are confident their plans at both sites will compliment each other and provide maximum revenues for the Kentucky horse industry. Since 2007, he adds this new phase will bring Kentucky Downs’ investment to $141 million.
