Churchill Downs CEO responds to Miami-Wade vote

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Robert L. Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) ("Company"), today issued the following statement in reaction to results from yesterday's elections in Miami-Dade County, Fla., in which voters approved slot-machine gaming for the county's three pari-mutuel facilities, including the Company's Calder Race Course.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of the election and greatly appreciate the overwhelming support that voters in Miami-Dade County have shown for Calder, Thoroughbred racing in South Florida, and the thousands of workers who depend on the pari-mutuel industry for their livelihood," said Evans. "Yesterday's vote was an important step in keeping Calder on a level playing field with area casinos and with racetracks in Florida and other states that already offer slot-machine gaming.

"Thoroughbred racetracks without slot-machine gaming are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to providing the competitive purse programs that attract the number of horses required to conduct high-quality racing. We believe the new revenues generated through slot-machine gaming at Calder will help fund important state programs, put more people to work, and benefit horsemen and horse breeders through higher purses.

"Our sincere thanks go out to the many individuals who devoted their time and talents to the 'Yes for a Greater Miami-Dade' campaign, including an exceptional campaign staff, our Calder employees, and our partners, the Havernick family and Flagler Dog Track. It was truly a team effort, and the many months of hard work were rewarded with a decision that should benefit the state of Florida and the pari-mutuel industry in Miami-Dade County for years to come."

Evans concluded, "We have been working on plans for what we believe will be a competitive slot-machine gaming facility at Calder and anticipate having more details to share publicly about the Calder operation during our next quarterly conference call with the investment community in March 2008."