[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15179]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ELLIS PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of the 
House an historical day for Thoroughbred Horse Racing in western 
Kentucky--the reopening of Ellis Park.
  Since opening its gates for the first time in October of 1922, Ellis 
Park has been a significant part of Kentucky and Indiana's equine 
history. During those years the one and one eighth mile long track has 
provided horsemen and trainers a venue to showcase the sport they love.
  Today, Ellis Park re-opens after suffering a devastating tornado on 
November 6th, 2005, that claimed the lives of 25 individuals in the 
surrounding community of Evansville, Indiana, and that delivered a 
direct hit to the Ellis Park race track damaging several buildings and 
killing some of the Thoroughbred Horses stabled at the track.
  Today is one of triumph over tragedy as those who suffered so much 
move forward and continue to rebuild their community.
  Mr. Speaker, the re-opening of historic Ellis Park under the new 
ownership of Kentucky Businessman Ron Geary promises a bright future 
for Thoroughbred Racing in western Kentucky and the tri-state region. 
Mr. Geary has committed to continue and build upon an 85 year history 
that has made Ellis Park a popular setting for friends and family to 
come together and enjoy the atmosphere created by the sight and sound 
of thoroughbreds thundering towards the finish line.

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