Churchill Downs opens The Parlay for off-track betting

While The Parlay will be home to Churchill Downs' simulcasting product during

the months outside of its live racing meets, it also will house the track's

media operations in the weeks leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky

Oaks, and during its three live racing meets.

"We are excited to unveil The Parlay and believe off-track betting patrons

will share our enthusiasm," said Ryan Jordan, CDRT General Manager. "It is a

beautiful facility filled with large televisions that provide vivid images of

races from North American tracks and major international events. The Parlay will

provide our OTB patrons with quick and convenient access to food, beverages and

a full-range of amenities.

"This versatile new venue is a right-sized space for our simulcast wagering

audience. It will enable our team to more effectively serve our patrons and will

allow greater efficiency throughout our OTB operations."

The Parlay is one of four capital projects valued at $9 million launched in

mid-2012 by CDRT. The others are: The Mansion, a distinctive hospitality venue

set for early spring completion; the Plaza, an open-air space adjacent to the

Paddock and Gate 1 that opened during the 2012 Fall Meet; and a second-floor

Clubhouse Gold Room, which was unveiled in August, 2012 and will continue to

serve VIP players during live racing meets.

On April 1, The Parlay will be converted to house Churchill Downs' media

operations for the Kentucky Derby on May 4, the May 3 Kentucky Oaks and its

Spring Meet that begins with the "Opening Night" celebration on Saturday, April

27 and concludes on June 30. At that time, the OTB operation will move back to

the area of the second-floor Clubhouse that has been home to its simulcast

operation since early 2005. The track's OTB operations will remain there until

they shift back to The Parlay at the conclusion of Spring Meet racing.

Foremost among the amenities available to off-track betting patrons in The

Parlay are 42 televisions equipped with massive 70-inch, high-definition screens

that fill the walls throughout the venue. Additionally, there are 18 32-inch TVs

positioned around the facility.

The Parlay features a 24-foot bar and a food service area that will offer

grab-and-go sandwiches, soups, salads and other OTB fare.

The 600-person capacity includes 320 individual carrels and table seating.

There also is seating at the bar and some lounge chair seats will be available.

Churchill Downs will continue its Wednesday-through-Sunday simulcast schedule

in The Parlay, depending on availability of signals. The daily admission price

remains at $3 and $1 for seniors ages 60 and up. Admission gates will open at

11:30 a.m. (ET) unless otherwise noted.

The 2013 racing schedule at Churchill Downs will feature three live meets for

the first time in its history. Along with its Spring Meet, the track will

present its first September Meet, which will feature 12 days of racing from

September 5-29, and its traditional Fall Meet, which will run from October

27-November 30.

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