Businesses, horsemen waiting for impact of closing

HENDERSON, Ky. (AP) — Horse owners, trainers, track employees and area business owners are hoping a last-minute deal can be reached to save Ellis Park and it’s summer meet.

The track was scheduled to begin racing Friday, but owner Ron Geary closed the track amid a bitter dispute over account wagering.

The account wagering was blocked by the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association, which is seeking a larger share of those revenues.

Geary said he made a proposal to KHBPA, which shut down the account wagering, that would allow the betting dollars to flow again and start racing by Wednesday.

Rick Hiles, president of the horsemen’s association, said he didn’t attend the meeting after which Geary said the proposal was made.