Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Evans today issued the following statement after Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear unveiled legislation that would authorize a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment permitting limited casino gaming in the Commonwealth.

“We thank Gov. Steve Beshear and the legislators who have worked on this issue for their leadership on a matter of great importance to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and to the horse industry,” said Evans. The Governor’s plan launches us on a process of putting Kentucky’s horse industry on equal, competitive footing with racing industries in an increasing number of states that have already implemented casino gaming at racetracks.  The Governor’s proposal will also keep Kentucky revenues in Kentucky and attract new revenues to the Commonwealth from neighboring states that have had gaming for several years. These additional revenues are required to fund important programs and projects throughout Kentucky. We look forward to working with Gov. Beshear and lawmakers, and to participating in the dialogue on this important issue.”

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. Churchill Downs’ four racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America’s most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap and Louisiana Derby. Churchill Downs racetracks have hosted seven Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Churchill Downs also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various advance-deposit wagering, television production, telecommunications and racing services companies, including a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network HorseRacing TV™, that support the Company’s network of simulcasting and racing operations. Churchill Downs trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.