(WAVE/WKYT) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has ordered Churchill Downs, Inc (CDI) to pay millions in fees from 2025, plus interest, according to a decision issued by three members of HISA’s board.
The decision ruled that CDI violated federal racing rules by not paying any of the year’s assessments for Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Turfway Park and Presque Isle Downs.
The document states that CDI owes HISA the following amounts:
- Churchill Downs: $2,408,500.92 and $120,132.35 in interest
- Turfway Park: $1,436,186.40 and $71,634.78 in interest
- Ellis Park: $447,568.08 and $22,324.01 in interest
- Presque Isle Downs: $732,593.16 and $36,540.63 in interest
The decision, which was issued on March 16, states that CDI must pay the fees within 10 days of the order. If CDI does not pay by March 26, its racetracks will be “prohibited from conducting any Covered Horserace, to be applied on the next scheduled race day(s).”
Covered Horseraces allow for off-track and online betting. This order would apply to races at Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Ellis Park, and Preque Isle Downs.
CDI has the opportunity to appeal this decision within 10 days of receiving it.
A spokesperson from CDI issued the following statement:
“HISA continues to act in bad faith by issuing its most recent Order mere days before a Federal Court hearing on these very issues. Instead of focusing on its mission to safeguard horse racing, HISA is wasting resources on blatantly unconstitutional and harmful actions. Churchill Downs remains steadfast in its longstanding commitment to the health and welfare of our equine athletes. We continue to believe HISA has exceeded the authority granted to it by Congress, and we remain confident in our position.”
See the full decision below: