Churchill Downs HHR

Churchill Downs HHR is getting into the business of historical race wagering in a big way.

A $60 million facility to be called “Derby City Gaming” was announced Wednesday at Louisville’s Trackside site (formerly known as Sports Spectrum) on Poplar Level Road. It will measure 85,000 square feet, contain 600 machines, a bar and food service. The facility is expected to open in fall of 2018.

“Our focus on historical racing is driven by our commitment to bringing much-needed innovation to our industry, not just here in Louisville but throughout the state, and we’re doing this through initiatives like Derby City Gaming,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “The future is bright for horse racing in Kentucky, and Churchill Downs is excited to play an important role in that evolution.”

Also known as instant racing, the slot machine-like systems require players to make their picks before a race is revealed, making it a game more of luck than skill or memory.

Instant racing at, for instance, Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky., and Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., has fed purses at those respective racetracks. Churchill will not have instant racing machines the racetrack itself but rather keep it exclusive to Derby City Gaming.