Revolutionary Racing Kentucky was awarded Kentucky’s ninth and final horse racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission last summer and now they are working towards the construction of Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, a horseracing and betting facility.
The economic impact of the initial investment in the facility is $75 million.
Despite not being a part of the initial group that formed to make Sandy’s a reality, Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins was in contact with Larry Lucas, the Chairman of Revolutionary Racing, throughout the process.
“Obviously what we always want to do is have a safe environment for our guests and our citizens and he assured me of that,” said Perkins. “I wanted to make sure we had good paying jobs with benefits, he assured me of that. I wanted to make sure that we had the best of the best if we were going to be a venue for eastern Kentucky. You know, we’re the largest city in eastern Kentucky. We’re known for many things, so we want to be known for horseracing as well.”
Officials said tertiary job opportunities at restaurants, hotels and retail businesses will see growth from increased tourism. The facility itself promises over 200 jobs with benefits for people in the community and surrounding area.
“We have an impact of reaching over 300,000 people in our tristate area and they’ve been going elsewhere to enjoy horseracing and betting and so now that we have this here in our community it’s going to be a huge deal. We’re going to have outside money coming in to boost our economy,” said Perkins.
Officials said track construction is officially set to begin in early 2024 and the first races are set to take place in 2025, marking continued growth for Kentucky’s thriving horse racing industry.
Officials said resources for people with problem gambling are available by calling or texting (800-426-2537), visiting KYCPG.org, or emailing kyproblemgamblingassistance@ky.gov.