LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 16, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq:CHDN) ("CDI") today held its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders at Churchill Downs Racetrack. During the meeting, shareholders conducted an election of directors. The following Class III directors were elected and will serve three-year terms expiring at the 2014 shareholders' meeting:

• Michael B. Brodsky, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Federated Sports & Gaming Inc.;
• Robert L. Fealy, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Duchossois Group Inc.;
• Daniel P. Harrington, President and Chief Executive Officer, HTV Industries Inc.; and
• Darrell R. Wells, General Partner, Security Management Company.

Prior to the meeting, Chairman Carl F. Pollard formally retired from the board of directors, as was scheduled to occur. Upon Pollard's retirement, CDI Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Evans assumed the role of CDI's new chairman of the board of directors and conducted the shareholders' meeting as chairman. Evans' new title is "chairman and chief executive officer."

Following the annual gathering of shareholders, CDI directors held their quarterly meeting.

Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI") (Nasdaq:CHDN), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates four world-renowned Thoroughbred racing facilities: Arlington Park in Illinois, Calder Casino & Race Course in Florida, Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana.  CDI operates Harlow's Casino Resort & Hotel in Greenville, Miss., as well as slot and gaming operations in Florida and Louisiana. CDI tracks are host to North America's most prestigious races, including the Arlington Million, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the Louisiana Derby and the Princess Rooney. Churchill Downs Racetrack will host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record eighth time Nov. 4-5, 2011. CDI also owns off-track betting facilities; TwinSpires.com and other advance-deposit wagering providers; United Tote; television production, telecommunications and racing service companies such as Bloodstock Research Information Services; and a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network, HorseRacing TV. Information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

CONTACT: Julie Koenig Loignon

         (502) 636-4502 (office)

         (502) 262-5461 (mobile)

         Julie.Koenig@kyderby.com