Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI” or “Company”) today announced that Tom O’Donnell has been named president and general manager of Calder Race Course (“Calder”) in Miami, as well as senior vice president of CDI.

O’Donnell will be responsible for the successful overall direction, administration and coordination of all activities at Calder Race Course, including gaming and racing operations. He comes to CDI from Heller Gaming & Leisure, where he served as an advisor and consultant on casino operations, development and strategic acquisition evaluation. O’Donnell also has over 18 years of experience with Harrah’s Entertainment.

“Churchill Downs Incorporated is among the gaming industry’s most elite and respected names, and I am excited to bring my expertise to the Company during this time of expansion and growth,” said O’Donnell. “Calder is about to embark on an exciting new chapter in its history as planning continues for its future slot facility. I look forward to working with the outstanding employees at Calder Race Course and the management team of CDI as we continue to build on the excellent foundation already laid for the success of racing and gaming in Miami.”

Prior to his association with Heller Gaming & Leisure, O’Donnell worked with Harrah’s Entertainment in a variety of executive positions, including Gulf Coast region president, where he oversaw the rebuilding of Harrah’s gaming and hotel operations following Hurricane Katrina; senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel, the Showboat Casino Hotel and Harrah’s Joliet Casino; and operations leader on the Caesars/Harrah’s integration team during the merger of those two companies. He also served as chief operating officer for gaming development at Oneida Indian Nation and has worked with Sands Hotel Casino.

O’Donnell holds a master’s degree from Norwich University in Vermont and a bachelor’s degree in education from Hillsdale College in Michigan.

The search for a general manager of racing operations at Calder is ongoing.

Churchill Downs Incorporated, 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.