Meet The Staff

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We at Ellis Park are dedicated to serving your needs. Whether you are a longtime trainer or a novice handicapper, the Ellis Park staff is readily available to assist you and answer any questions.

A local Kentucky business man, Ron purchased Ellis Park from Churchill Downs, Inc. in 2006 and is determined to switch Ellis Park’s gears into a player-focused race track. Also an avid handicapper, Ron hopes to implement his business techniques into the race track. Ron and his wife Linda have two children, Wendy and Mark, and six grandchildren.

Greg interned for Ron’s CPA firm while he was a senior in college at the University of Louisville. From that intern position he ultimately launched himself into his current role at Ellis Park. Greg oversees several departments including Finance, Security, Food and Beverage, and IT. Greg has two grown children, Chris and Holly.

From starting as an underage hot walker, Bob has grown up at Ellis Park. After working in various positions around the track, including the racing secretary office, he began working in his current position in 1982. Bob oversees the simulcasting operations at Ellis Park as well as the maintenance crews. Bob and his wife Irene have two adult children, Liz and Bob Jr.

After a successful career in the Sales and Marketing of consumer products, John joined the racing industry at Canterbury Park in Minnesota in 1998 as Vice President of Marketing and more recently here at Ellis Park in 2011. His approach to marketing a racetrack is to make it entertaining, and above all taking care of the customers. He brought Camels, Wiener Dog Races, Hot Dog Eating Contests, Fireworks and many more entertaing events to the track, yet always worked hard to make it a place where the serious horseplayer is truly appreciated. John and his wife Barbara have been married 44 years, and have three children Peter, Thomas, and Susan, and one Granddaughter.

Mark has been going to the track since he was 6-years-old. As Director of Development he uses his background to keep the on track clientèle happy as well as trainers and owners. Mark also visits different tracks recruiting horses to stable for the summer at Ellis Park. He travels between Louisville and Henderson, with Henderson being his summer home for the Ellis meet.

Lana has worked at Ellis Park since 1996. On top of being a liaison between the horse owners and the race track, she is also the simulcast program coordinator. Lana has two grown children and three grandchildren.