Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Tom Meeker Named Louisville 'Business Leader of the Year' by Business First

Business Wire, Dec 2, 2005

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Thomas H. Meeker, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) ("CDI"), has been named "Business Leader of the Year" for a large business by the Louisville, Ky.-based Business First publication in its inaugural "Business of the Year" Awards. The honor was presented during a gala dinner at the Kentucky International Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The "Business of the Year" awards are designed to honor companies and individual business leaders in the Louisville area whose outstanding achievements have resulted in a positive impact on their industries and within the local community. Large, small and emerging businesses were honored as well as nonprofit organizations.

Meeker was honored for piloting CDI through an aggressive growth period that included the acquisition of six racetracks, 22 off-track betting facilities and several racing-related service companies. Under Meeker's watch, the Company recently completed an impressive $121 million renovation of its flagship facility, Churchill Downs racetrack, in Louisville. The four-year renovation project added nearly 80 luxury suites, a year-round simulcast center, premium venues, technology upgrades and a new grand entrance to the historic racetrack that has hosted the Kentucky Derby, America's premier horse race and a signature of the Louisville community, since 1875.

"While I am honored to accept this award, the real credit for the success of Churchill Downs Incorporated belongs to its team members," said Meeker. "Their dedication and service to our customers, as well as the unwavering support of our local community, has allowed Churchill Downs to remain one of Louisville's cornerstones for more than a century. We look forward to continuing that relationship for years to come."

CDI was also finalist for the "Large Business of the Year" award from Business First. Large businesses were defined as those companies with annual revenues in excess of $20 million.

Churchill Downs Incorporated, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. CDI's six racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America's most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million and Louisiana Derby. CDI racetracks have hosted six Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. CDI also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various television production, telecommunications and racing services companies that support CDI's network of simulcasting and racing operations. CDI trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.