Editor’s Note:

Ellis Park will begin its’ annual, summer, county fair-like race meet today, with a splash of the historic past and with hopes of a more vibrant future. A new ownership team — led by the Laguna Development Corporation, from New Mexico — has won the approval of the Kentucky Racing Commission to take over full ownership of the track. They announced a three-phase improvement plan that has already begun, and will extend through the next couple of years. And, there are plans to increase purses; improve both the racing surface and the racing venue; and improve both the image and the images that come from the little track in Henderson, KY.

Here is a look at the old Ellis Park from the eye and lens of our very own Holly M. Smith. With an eye cast toward the future, too.

(Tiger Moth after winning at Ellis Park / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

(A look at the horses along the backstretch, with a view of the historic “pea patch” in the infield, full of soybeans / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

(The racing action on both the dirt and turf. The new owners are planning on expanding the turf course to make it wider after this meet ends / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

(From wiener dog races, to horse races, to the great Mr. Misunderstood. You will see it all at Ellis Park / Photos by Holly M. Smith)