Ellis Park offering up-close look at horse prep

Ellis Park is teaming with its horsemen’s association to provide the public with a behind-the-scenes look at preparing horses for the races.

“Making of a racehorse: Let’s get started!” will be held Saturday, July 30 from 7:30-9 a.m. Central at Ellis Park. The free event will give racing fans, sports enthusiasts, horse lovers and the simply curious insight into all the preparation that goes into horses springing from the starting gate.

Ellis Park starter Scott Jordan will explain the learning process as it unfolds in front of the attendees.

READ MORE: Off to the races? It all starts with Jordan

The public will go from the starting gate to the barn of John Hancock, a third-generation trainer at Ellis Park, for a look and lively discussion about everything that happens in a stable in the morning.

Ellis Park provides a unique opportunity for people outside the racetrack to get an up-close view of morning “schooling” as well as horses having timed workouts while breaking from the starting gate. That’s because Ellis’ starting gate during morning training is positioned in its mile chute on the first turn, adjacent to the easily-accessed southern parking lot closest to the Ohio River levee.

Adults and kids of all ages are welcome. The public is invited to start at 7 a.m. CT in the parking area nearest the starting gate, with the program to begin at 7:30. Afterward, fans are encouraged to watch Ellis Park announcer Jimmy McNerney discussing his picks for the day’s races at 9:30 in the lower clubhouse.

“We can offer an experience that few tracks can provide,” Ellis Park president Ron Geary said. “No one is more passionate than John Hancock when it comes to horse racing, Ellis Park and preparing young horses for the races. Scott Jordan not only is one of the finest starters in the country, but he’s outstanding at explaining how young horses go from a potentially scary contraption like the big metal starting gate to walking right in and breaking on cue.

“We encourage existing fans and anyone wanting to learn more about the great sport of horse racing to come out the morning of July 30 for this unique event.”

Jennie Rees is a horse-racing communications specialist.