Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI” or “Company”) today announced the appointment of Rohit Thukral to serve as the Company’s executive vice president of technology initiatives and president of CDI’s national advance-deposit wagering platform, TwinSpires.com.

In his new role, Thukral will oversee the operations and development of TwinSpires, as well as other CDI technology initiatives.  He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Evans.  Thukral assumes his new role effective immediately and will succeed Vernon Niven, who announced his departure from the Company in February.  Niven will remain with the Company through June 7 to assist with the transition. 

“Rohit has been a key member of our TwinSpires team since joining the Company in December 2006, and played a major role in the success of our ADW initiative,” said Evans.  “His extensive knowledge of and experience with technology solutions make him a valuable asset to our Company, and I’m pleased to welcome him to CDI’s management team.  As we continue to explore new opportunities for innovation and growth in the horse racing industry, his leadership skills and broad technological background will serve as a valuable guide.”

“Churchill Downs Incorporated is the undisputed leader of its industry, and has an outstanding record of success,” said Thukral.  “I am honored to take a larger role in its future and I look forward to working as a member of the team to help the Company continue to innovate, evolve and grow.”

Thukral comes to his new position after two years with TwinSpires, where he served as vice president of product development.  Prior to joining CDI, he served as vice president of product management for BDNA Corporation, a leading provider of IT infrastructure management solutions.  He has also worked as senior director of software development for Aspect Development in California and held numerous positions within Mentor Graphics, a developer of electronic design automation software.  Thukral holds an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Churchill Downs”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. Churchill Downs’ four racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America’s most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap and Louisiana Derby. Churchill Downs racetracks have hosted seven Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Churchill Downs also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various advance-deposit wagering, television production, telecommunications and racing services companies, including a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network HorseRacing TV™, that support the Company’s network of simulcasting and racing operations. Churchill Downs trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.