10-K 2005


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission file number 0-1469


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kentucky
61-0156015
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
700 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40208
(502) 636-4400
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
   
None
None
(Title of each class registered)
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
   
Common Stock, No Par Value
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 



Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  
Yes [  ] No [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [   ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

As of March 8, 2006, 13,178,848 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were outstanding. As of June 30, 2005, (based upon the closing sale price for such date on the NASDAQ National Market), the aggregate market value of the shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $365,867,878.

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 15, 2006, are incorporated by reference herein in response to Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of Form 10-K. The exhibit index is located on pages 81-85.

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CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2005

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 

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ITEM 1.

A.
Introduction
 
Churchill Downs Incorporated (the "Company") is principally a racing company that conducts pari-mutuel wagering on live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing and simulcasts signals of races. Additionally, we offer racing services through our other business interests as well as alternative gaming through video poker operations in Louisiana. We were organized as a Kentucky corporation in 1928. Our principal executive offices are located at 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, 40208.

We operate our flagship operation, Churchill Downs racetrack ("Churchill Downs"), in Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs has conducted Thoroughbred racing continuously since 1875 and is internationally known as the home of the Kentucky Derby. The Churchill Downs operation also encompasses an on-site simulcast facility. In addition, the management of Churchill Downs oversees Ellis Park Race Course, Inc. ("Ellis Park"), which operates a Thoroughbred track in Henderson, Kentucky.

Churchill Downs Management Company ("CDMC") manages all of our operations including: Churchill Downs; Ellis Park; Arlington Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Arlington Heights along with eight off-track betting facilities ("OTBs") in Illinois; Calder Race Course ("Calder"), a Thoroughbred racing operation in Miami Gardens, Florida; Fair Grounds Race Course ("Fair Grounds"), a Thoroughbred racing operation in New Orleans along with eleven OTBs in Louisiana; and Video Services, Inc. ("VSI"), the owner and operator of more than 700 video poker machines in Louisiana. Fair Grounds and VSI were acquired in October 2004. On September 23, 2005, Churchill Downs California Company ("CDCC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the sale of Hollywood Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Inglewood, California.

Additionally, CDMC manages Hoosier Park at Anderson in Anderson, Indiana ("Hoosier Park"). Hoosier Park conducts Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing, and operates three OTBs in Indiana. Hoosier Park is owned by Hoosier Park, L.P. ("HPLP"), an Indiana limited partnership. Anderson Park, Inc. ("Anderson"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDMC, is the sole general partner of HPLP. Anderson owns a 62% interest in HPLP and continues to manage its day-to-day operations. Centaur Racing, LLC owns 38% of HPLP and, through a Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement, has an option to purchase an additional 11% partnership interest from us, which expires on December 31, 2007.

We formed Churchill Downs Investment Company ("CDIC"), a wholly owned subsidiary, to oversee other industry related investments. CDIC holds a 30% interest in NASRIN Services, LLC ("NASRIN"), a telecommunications service provider for the pari-mutuel and simulcasting industries. During 2004, the Company sold a 19% interest in Kentucky Downs, LLC ("Kentucky Downs"), a Franklin, Kentucky, racetrack that conducts a limited Thoroughbred race meet in September, as well as year-round simulcasting. After consummation of the sale, the Company retained a 5% interest in Kentucky Downs. Our investments in NASRIN and Kentucky Downs are not material to the Company's financial position or results of operations.

The Company directly or indirectly holds a 100% interest in Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions ("CDSP"), which provides television production and integration of computer graphic software to the racing industry. The simulcast signal produced by CDSP displays odds, statistical data and other racing information on television in real-time for patrons at racetracks and OTBs. Our ownership in CDSP is not material to the Company's financial position or results of operation.

B.
Live Racing and Alternative Gaming Operations
 
We conduct live horse racing at Churchill Downs, Calder, Fair Grounds, Arlington Park, Hoosier Park and Ellis Park. The following is a summary of our significant live racing events and a description of our properties.
 
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The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, both held at Churchill Downs, continue to be our premier racing events. The 2006 Kentucky Derby will offer a minimum $2.0 million in purse money, and the Kentucky Oaks offers a minimum $0.5 million in purse money. The Kentucky Derby is the first race of the annual series of races for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds known as the Triple Crown. In addition, Churchill Downs offers a $0.8 million purse
for the Stephen Foster Handicap. Calder is home to The Festival of the Sun and the nationally prominent Summit of Speed, offering approximately $1.9 million in total purse money. Hollywood Park was home to the Hollywood Gold Cup during 2005, which offered $0.8 million in purse money. The Arlington Million, which is run during the International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park, with a purse of $1.0 million, is one of three North American stops for the World Series Racing Championship. Fair Ground's Winter Meet during 2005 was highlighted by Louisiana Derby Day, the richest day in Louisiana racing, that was headlined by the $0.6 million Louisiana Derby, a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Other significant racing events are the Indiana Derby for Thoroughbreds and the Dan Patch Invitational and Hoosier Cup for Standardbreds held at Hoosier Park, as well as the Gardenia Stakes for older fillies and mares held at Ellis Park.

Arlington Park hosted the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championship ("Breeders' Cup") in 2002. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders' Cup on five occasions and has also been selected as the site to host the event in 2006. Breeders' Cup Limited, a tax-exempt organization chartered to promote Thoroughbred racing and breeding, sponsors Breeders' Cup races, which currently feature $14.0 million in purses. These races are held annually for the purpose of determining Thoroughbred champions in eight different events. Racetracks across North America compete for the privilege of hosting the prestigious Breeders' Cup races each year.

Churchill Downs

The Churchill Downs racetrack site and improvements ("Churchill facility") are located in Louisville, Kentucky. The Churchill facility consists of approximately 147 acres of land with a one-mile dirt track, a seven-eighths (7/8) mile turf track, permanent grandstands, luxury suites and a stabling area. Our facility accommodates approximately 52,000 persons in our clubhouse, grandstand, Jockey Club Suites and Finish Line Suites. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art simulcast wagering facility designed to accommodate 1,500 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The site also has a saddling paddock, accommodations for groups and special events, parking areas for the public, and our racetrack and corporate office facilities. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate approximately 1,400 horses, a 114-room dormitory and other facilities for backstretch personnel.

To supplement the facilities at Churchill Downs, we provide additional stabling facilities sufficient to accommodate 500 horses and a three-quarter (3/4) mile dirt track, which is used for training Thoroughbreds, at the OTB known as Trackside Louisville. The facilities provide a year-round base of operation for many horsemen and enable us to attract new horsemen to race at Churchill Downs.

We have made numerous capital improvements to the Churchill facility in order to better serve our horsemen and patrons. During the first quarter of 2002 we began a $121.8 million renovation to restore and modernize key areas at the Churchill facility, referred to as our "Master Plan." The $26.3 million Phase I, which was substantially completed during 2003, included renovation of the historic Jockey Club and construction of 61 new luxury suites, a ballroom, new meeting rooms and kitchen facilities. The $95.5 million Phase II of the Master Plan was completed during the second quarter of 2005 and included the demolition and rebuilding of a large section of the clubhouse area and the addition of 15 new luxury suites.

As part of the financing for the Master Plan, in 2002 we transferred title to the Churchill facility to the City of Louisville, Kentucky and leased back the facility. Subject to the terms of the lease agreement, we can re-acquire the facility at any time for $1.00. This transaction has no significant impact on our current financial position or results of operations.
 
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Calder Race Course

The Calder racetrack and improvements are located in Miami-Dade County. The Calder facility is adjacent to Dolphin Stadium, home of the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins, and consists of approximately 220 acres of land with a one-mile dirt track, a seven-eighths (7/8) mile turf track, a training area with a five-eighths (5/8) mile training track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for approximately 15,000 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from concessions to full-service restaurants. The stable area consists of a receiving barn, feed rooms, tack rooms, detention barns and living quarters and can accommodate approximately 1,800 horses. The Calder Race Course facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities. On October 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma caused significant damage to Calder's clubhouse facility and parts of its stable area. We carry property and casualty insurance and are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent insurance proceeds will
offset any losses. Full restoration of the facility is currently under way and is expected to be completed prior to the beginning of the race meeting in 2006.

Fair Grounds Race Course and VSI

On October 14, 2004, we completed our acquisition of the Fair Grounds racetrack and its affiliated operations, including eleven OTBs. The Fair Grounds racetrack facility, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, consists of approximately 145 acres of land, a one mile dirt track, a seven-eighths (7/8) mile turf track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for approximately 5,000 persons, a general admissions area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from concessions to clubhouse dining. The stable area consists of a receiving barn, feed rooms, tack rooms, detention barns and living quarters and can accommodate approximately 2,000 horses. The Fair Grounds facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities. In connection with the acquisition of Fair Grounds racetrack and its affiliated operations, we expected to make numerous capital improvements to the Fair Grounds facility in order to better serve our horsemen and patrons. Fair Grounds has received the requisite state and local approvals for the construction of a slot-machine gaming facility at the racetrack property offering up to 700 slot machines. VSI is the exclusive operator of more than 700 video poker machines at Fair Grounds and nine of its OTBs. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the Fair Grounds racetrack facility and its affiliated OTBs. The Fair Grounds racetrack, its on-site OTB and three other OTBs remain closed as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We carry property and casualty insurance and are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent proceeds will offset any losses. Restoration is underway, but the full extent of restoration to the various facilities, including Fair Grounds racetrack, is yet to be determined.

Arlington Park

The Arlington Park racetrack was constructed in 1927 and reopened its doors in 1989 after a devastating fire four years earlier. The racetrack sits on 325 acres, has a one and one-eighth (1 1/8) mile dirt track, a one-mile turf track and a five-eighths (5/8) mile training track. The facility includes permanent clubhouse, grandstand and suite seating for 6,045 persons, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. Arlington Park has 34 barns able to accommodate approximately 2,200 horses. The Arlington Park facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities.

Ellis Park

The Ellis Park racetrack and improvements, located in Henderson, Kentucky, consist of approximately 250 acres of land just north of the Ohio River with a one and one-eighths (1 1/8) mile dirt track, a one-mile turf track and a stabling area for 1,140 horses. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for 8,000 people, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The Ellis Park facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities. On November 6, 2005, a tornado caused significant damage to the Ellis Park racetrack and improvements, including its stable areas as well as several other buildings. We carry property and casualty insurance and are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent insurance proceeds will offset any losses. We anticipate restoring the facility in time for racing during the summer of 2006.

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Hoosier Park

Hoosier Park is located in Anderson, Indiana, about 40 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis. Hoosier Park leases the land under a long-term lease from the city of Anderson and owns all of the improvements on the site. The Hoosier Park facility consists of approximately 110 acres of leased land with a seven-eighths (7/8) mile dirt track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes seating for approximately 2,400 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to a full-service restaurant. The site also has a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 980 horses and other facilities for backstretch personnel.

C.
Simulcast Operations
 
We generate a significant portion of our revenues by transmitting signals of races from our racetracks to other facilities ("export") and receiving signals from other tracks ("import"). Revenues are earned through pari-mutuel wagering on signals that we both import and export.

The Churchill Downs Simulcast Network ("CDSN") was developed in 2002 to focus on the distribution of the Company's simulcast signal. CDSN provides the principal oversight of our interstate and international simulcast and wagering opportunities, as well as the marketing, sales, operations and data support efforts related to the Company-owned racing content. CDSN will present over 500 racing programs from our six racetracks to wagering outlets during 2006.

Arlington Park and Calder conduct on-site simulcast wagering only during live race meets, while Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Hoosier Park and Ellis Park offer year-round simulcast wagering at the racetracks. The OTBs located in Indiana, Illinois and Louisiana conduct simulcast wagering year-round.

Off-Track Betting Facilities

Twelve of our OTBs are collectively branded "Trackside" to create a common identity for our OTB operations. Trackside Louisville, which is open for simulcast wagering only on big events days, such as the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup when Churchill Downs hosts the event, is located approximately five miles from the Churchill facility. This 100,000-square-foot property, on approximately 88 acres of land, is a Thoroughbred training and stabling annex that has audiovisual capabilities for pari-mutuel wagering, seating for approximately 3,000 persons, parking, offices and related facilities for simulcasting races.

Arlington Park operates eight OTBs that accept wagers on races at Arlington Park as well as on races simulcast from other locations. One OTB is located on the Arlington Park property. Another is located in Rockford, Illinois consisting of approximately 8.6 acres, and a third is located in East Moline, Illinois on approximately 232.6 acres. Arlington Park also leases two OTBs located in Waukegan, Illinois consisting of approximately 25,000 square feet, and Chicago, Illinois consisting of approximately 19,700 square feet. Arlington Park operates three OTBs within existing non-owned Illinois restaurants under license agreements. These three OTBs are located in South Elgin, McHenry and South Beloit, which opened in December 2002, June 2003 and February 2004, respectively. The McHenry OTB was moved to a different non-owned restaurant in McHenry, Illinois and reopened during December 2005.

Hoosier Park operates three OTBs providing a statewide distribution system for Hoosier Park's racing signal, and additional simulcast markets for our products. These OTBs are located in: Merrillville, located about 30 miles southeast of Chicago, which consists of approximately 27,300 square feet of space; Fort Wayne which consists of approximately 15,750 square feet of space; and downtown Indianapolis where Hoosier Park leases approximately 24,800 square feet of space.
 
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Fair Grounds operates 11 OTBs that accept wagers on races at Fair Grounds as well as on races simulcast from other locations. One OTB is located on the Fair Grounds property. Another is located in Kenner, Louisiana consisting of approximately 4.26 acres. Fair Grounds also leases nine OTBs located in these southeast Louisiana communities: Covington, consisting of approximately 7,000 square feet of space; Elmwood, which consists of approximately 14,000 square feet of space; Gretna, which consists of approximately 20,000 square feet of space; Houma, which consists of approximately 10,000 square feet of space; Laplace, which consists of approximately 7,000 square feet of space; Metairie, which consists of approximately 9,000 square feet of space; St. Bernard which consists of approximately 12,000 square feet of space; Slidell, which consists of approximately 9,000 square feet of space; and Thibodaux, which consists of approximately 5,000 square feet of space. Video poker is offered at the on-site OTB, Kenner, Elmwood, Gretna, Houma, LaPlace, Metairie, St. Bernard and Thibodaux. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the OTBs affiliated with Fair Grounds. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all OTBs have reopened except the Fair Grounds OTB, the Metairie OTB, the St. Bernard OTB and the Slidell OTB. The status of these closed OTBs remains uncertain. We carry property and casualty insurance and are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent insurance proceeds will offset any losses.

Kentucky Off-Track Betting, LLC

We are a 50% owner in Kentucky Off-Track Betting, LLC ("KOTB”), with 25% of this ownership through our Ellis Park racetrack and the other 25% of this ownership through our Churchill Downs racetrack. KOTB's purpose is to own and operate facilities for the simulcasting of races and the acceptance of wagers on such races at Kentucky locations other than a racetrack. These OTBs may be located no closer than 75 miles from an existing racetrack without the racetrack's consent and in no event closer than 50 miles to an existing racetrack. Each OTB must first be
approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (“KHRA”) and the local government where the facility is to be located. KOTB currently owns or leases and operates OTBs in Corbin, Maysville, Jamestown and Pineville, Kentucky that conduct simulcast wagering year-round.

OTBs developed by KOTB provide additional markets for the intrastate simulcasting of and wagering on Churchill Downs' and Ellis Park's live races and interstate simulcasting of and wagering on out-of-state signals. KOTB did not contribute significantly to our operations in 2005 and is not anticipated to have a substantial impact on our operations in the future. Our investment in KOTB is not material to our financial position or results of operations.

In-Home Wagering
 
In-home wagering, or account wagering, allows patrons to place wagers through an advance deposit account established with an operating company. Most operating companies provide distribution of the live racing product and accept wagers through a broadcast medium such as television or the Internet. We have entered into agreements with Television Games Network ("TVG"), affiliated with Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., which licensed to TVG the rights to broadcast our live racing products as part of TVG's programming content, as well as accept wagers on the products. Such agreements expire on various dates between March 2007 and April 2008. We receive a simulcast host fee and a source market fee for these licenses.

We believe that in-home wagering will attract both new patrons and existing racing fans who will use account wagering in addition to the live track and OTB operations. We view this distribution channel as a potential source of future growth in the off-track market in states where it is not expressly prohibited and we intend to continue to pursue the expansion of in-home wagering.

D.
Sources of Revenue

Our pari-mutuel revenues include commissions on pari-mutuel wagering at our racetracks and OTBs (net of state pari-mutuel taxes), plus simulcast host fees from other wagering sites and source market fees generated from contracts with our in-home wagering providers. In addition to the commissions earned on pari-mutuel wagering, we earn pari-mutuel related streams of revenues from sources that are not related to wagering. These other revenues are primarily derived from statutory racing regulations in some of the states where our facilities are located and can fluctuate materially year-to-year. Non-wagering revenues are primarily generated from admissions, sponsorships, licensing rights and broadcast fees, Indiana riverboat admissions subsidy, concessions, video poker, lease income and other sources.
 
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Financial information about our segments required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

E.
Licenses and Live Race Dates

The following table is a summary of our live racing dates and the number of live racing days for each of our six racetracks and Hollywood Park during the portion of 2005 that it was under our ownership. Racing dates are generally approved by the respective state racing authorities:

 
2006
 
2005
Racetrack
Racing Dates
 
# of Days
 
Racing Dates    
 
# of Days
Churchill Downs
             
Spring Meet
April 29 - July 16
 
57
 
April 30 - July 10
 
52
Fall Meet
Oct. 29 - Nov. 25
 
21
 
Oct. 30 - Nov. 26
 
21
     
78
     
73
               
Calder Race Course
             
Calder Meet
April 25 - Oct. 15
 
112  
 
April 25 - Oct. 16
 
120 
Tropical Meet 05/06
Jan. 1 - Jan. 2
 
  2
 
Jan. 1 - Jan. 2.
 
  2
Tropical Meet 06/07
Oct. 16 - Dec. 31
 
58
 
Oct. 17 - Dec. 31
 
53
     
172 
     
175 
               
Arlington Park
May 5 - Sept. 14
 
94
 
May 13 - Sept. 18
 
94
               
Ellis Park
July 19 - Sept. 4
 
36
 
July 13 - Sept. 5
 
41
               
Hoosier Park
             
Standardbred Meet
April 1 - June 24
 
60
 
April 2 - June 25
 
61
Thoroughbred Meet
Sept. 2 - Nov. 25
 
61
 
Sept. 3 - Nov. 25
 
57
     
121 
     
118 
               
Fair Grounds
             
Winter Meet 04/05
       
Jan. 1 - March 27
 
61
Winter Meet 05/06*
Jan. 1 - Jan. 22
 
12
 
Nov. 19 - Dec. 31
 
25
Winter Meet 06/07**
Nov. 23 - Dec. 31
 
23
       
     
35
     
86
               
Hollywood Park
             
Spring/Summer Meet
N/A
     
April 22 - July 17
 
64

*  Temporary live race meeting conducted at Louisiana Downs.
**    Due to damage sustained by Hurricane Katrina, we have not yet determined whether live racing will resume at Fair Grounds on its scheduled date.

Kentucky's racetracks, including Churchill Downs and Ellis Park, are subject to the licensing and regulation of the KHRA. The KHRA is responsible for overseeing horse racing and regulating the state equine industry. Licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred race meets and to participate in simulcasting are approved annually by the KHRA based upon applications submitted by the racetracks in Kentucky. To some extent Churchill Downs and Ellis Park compete with other racetracks in Kentucky for the award of racing dates, however, the KHRA is required by state law to consider and seek to preserve each racetrack's usual and customary live racing dates. Generally, there is no substantial change from year to year in the racing dates awarded to each racetrack. For 2006, approximately one week of live racing was transferred from Ellis Park to Churchill Downs.
 
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In Florida, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering ("DPW"). The DPW is responsible for overseeing the network of state offices located at every pari-mutuel wagering facility, as well as issuing the permits necessary to operate a pari-mutuel wagering facility. The DPW also issues annual licenses for Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse races.

Calder may face direct competition from other Florida racetracks, including Miami-area racetracks, and may be subject to an increase or decrease in live racing dates in the future. During 2006, Calder has opted to conduct eight fewer days of live racing in order to increase purses and maximize the quality of the racing product.

During December of 2005, Calder and Gulf Stream Park entered into an agreement to allow year-round simulcasting at both facilities in the Miami area. The agreement was the result of a Florida appellate court decision in a case brought by Gulfstream Park invalidating a statute that prohibited a racetrack from simulcasting when it was not conducting live racing. The DPW appealed the decision to the Florida Supreme Court and, in mid-January of 2006, the Florida Supreme Court issued a stay ordering Calder to cease simulcast operations until the case is decided.

In Illinois, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved by the Illinois Racing Board ("IRB"). Generally, there is no substantial change from year to year in the number of racing dates awarded to each racetrack.

In Indiana, licenses to conduct live Standardbred and Thoroughbred race meets, including Quarter Horse races, and to participate in simulcasting are approved annually by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (“IHRC”) based upon applications submitted by Indiana racetracks. Indiana law requires live racing for at least 120 days each year in order to simulcast races. A second racetrack in Indiana, Indiana Downs, was opened on December 6, 2002, resulting in changes to Hoosier Park's traditional racing dates. The addition of a second racetrack in Indiana, located approximately 32 miles from Hoosier Park, also negatively impacts Hoosier Park's share of the riverboat admissions revenue and creates an increase in competition in the market. These factors have had an adverse impact on future profitability of the facility.

In Louisiana, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved by the Louisiana State Racing Commission ("LSRC"). The LSRC is responsible for overseeing the awarding of licenses for the conduct of live race meets, the conduct of Thoroughbred horse racing, the types of wagering which may be offered by pari-mutuel facilities and the disposition of revenue generated from wagering. Off-track wagering is also regulated by the LSRC. Louisiana law requires live racing for at least 80 days over a 20 week period each year to maintain the license and to conduct alternative gaming. Failure to maintain the racing license would result in the loss of the alternative gaming licenses. During 2005, the LSRC granted Fair Grounds a temporary license to conduct live racing at Louisiana Downs following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The LSRC also relieved the minimum number of days required to race under the license for the 2005-2006 race meeting.

The manufacture, distribution, servicing and operation of video draw poker devices ("Devices") in Louisiana are subject to the Louisiana Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Louisiana Act"). Licensing and regulatory control is maintained by a single gaming control board for the regulation of gaming in Louisiana. This Board, created on May 1, 1996, is called the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (the "Louisiana Board") and oversees all licensing for all forms of legalized gaming in Louisiana (including all regulatory enforcement and supervisory authority that exists in the state as to gaming on Native American lands). The Video Gaming Division of the Gaming Enforcement Section of the Office of the State Police within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (the "Division") performs the investigative functions for the Louisiana Board. The laws and regulations of Louisiana are based on policies of maintaining the health, welfare and safety of the general public and protecting the video gaming industry from elements of organized crime, illegal gambling activities and other harmful elements, as well as protecting the public from illegal and unscrupulous gaming to ensure the fair play of devices.

The total number of days on which each racetrack conducts live racing fluctuates annually according to each calendar year. A substantial change in the allocation of live racing days at any of our six racetracks could significantly impact our operations and earnings in future years.

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F.
Competition

Competition with other racetracks or OTBs for live, on-track patron attendance depends upon the geographic separation of facilities or differences in seasonal timing of meets. We believe that a new OTB opened in Evansville, Indiana by a competitor has had a negative impact on Ellis Park. Also, we believe that an OTB opened in Clarksville, Indiana in 2004 has had a negative impact on Churchill Downs racetrack and simulcast operations. In addition, Calder competes directly with other Miami-based racetracks. The Miami-based pari-mutuel wagering facilities located in Broward County have received authorization to operate slot machines. The timing of the operation of slot machines at those facilities is uncertain at this time. The Hoosier Park market has also had an increase in competition with the opening of Indiana Downs. In addition, we may face competition from other racetracks for live racing days. We face competition from a variety of sources for discretionary consumer spending including spectator sports and other entertainment and gaming options, including riverboat casinos, racetracks that offer casino-style gaming, cruise ships with casinos, land-based casinos and state lotteries. Additionally, the industry faces increasing competition for overall wagering dollars from Internet wagering services, which are often established off-shore and avoid regulation under U.S. state and federal laws.

There are currently five riverboat casinos operating on the Ohio River along Kentucky's border and five riverboat casinos operating along the Indiana shore of Lake Michigan, and an 11th casino approved for construction in Orange County, Indiana. Another four riverboat casinos are situated in Illinois near Chicago. There are also Native American gaming operations in Wisconsin and Florida, which have drawn patrons from the Arlington Park and Calder Race Course markets, respectively. Fair Grounds competes in the New Orleans area with three riverboat casinos, one land-based casino and video poker operations located at various truck stops and restaurants. These competitors have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and their reestablishment is uncertain at this time.

In response to the continued increased competition from other gaming options, the horse racing industry continues to search for new sources of revenue. Several recent developments are anticipated to be key contributors to overall growth within the industry. The repeal of a Federal withholding tax on foreign wagers removes an impediment for U.S. racetracks seeking to penetrate international markets. Other developments focus on increasing the core customer base and developing new fans through new technology to increase the distribution of racing content, and through developing better identification of existing customers to increase revenues from existing sources. Finally, the industry continues to seek additional ways to draw new and existing customers to live racing venues. Each of these developments is highly dependent on the regulatory environment and legal developments within individual state jurisdictions.

Alternative Gaming

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (“NTRA”), the representative body for the racing industry, supports the alternative gaming movement at racetracks and is working with regulators and legislators to pass alternative gaming legislation. Alternative gaming refers to the operation of slot machines or electronic gaming devices within a racing facility or OTB. In general, the NTRA and the racing industry believe that alternative gaming will result in the following benefits:

·       
Higher racetrack revenues and purse levels with pass through benefits to breed developers and breeding farms;
·       
Increased tax revenues for states and local municipalities; and
·       
Increased attendance at live track facilities driven primarily by "casual fans," or those who are patrons of traditional gaming operations such as casinos but are not racing customers.

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G.
Legislative Changes

Federal

In 2003, the country of Antigua filed a formal complaint against the United States with the World Trade Organization ("WTO"), challenging the United States' ability to enforce certain Federal gaming laws (Sections 1084, 1952 and 1955 of Title 18 of the United States Code known as the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act, respectively, and collectively the "Acts") against foreign companies that were accepting Internet wagers from United States residents. At issue was whether the United States' enforcement of the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act against foreign companies violated the General Agreement on Trade in Services ("GATS"). In November of 2004, a WTO panel ruled that the United States, as a signatory of GATS, could not enforce the Acts against foreign companies that were accepting Internet wagers from United States residents. The United States appealed the ruling and, in April of 2005, the WTO's appellate body ruled that the United States had demonstrated that the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act were measures necessary to protect public morals or maintain public order, but that the United States did not enforce the Acts consistently between domestic companies and foreign companies as required by GATS. The WTO's appellate body specifically referenced the Interstate Horseracing Act, which appeared to authorize domestic companies to accept Internet wagers on horse racing, as being inconsistent with the United States' stated policy against Internet wagering. In arguments and briefs before the WTO's appellate body, the United States argued that the Acts, specifically the Wire Act, applies equally to domestic companies and foreign companies and the Interstate Horseracing Act does not create an exception for domestic companies to accept Internet wagering on horseracing. The WTO's appellate body did not rule on whether an exception was created, but recommended that the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body request the United States bring measures found to be inconsistent with GATS into conformity with its obligations with GATS. The United States has until April 3, 2006, to bring its policies in line with the ruling, assuming it believes any changes are necessary. The effect of this ruling on the ability of domestic companies to accept Internet wagers and other account wagers on horse racing is unclear. The NTRA, on behalf of its members, including Churchill Downs Incorporated, is currently in discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative on various alternatives the United States may choose to take both administratively and legislatively in the wake of the appellate ruling.

Indiana

During April of 2005, Senate Enrolled Act 92 ("SEA 92"), a bill that makes it a Class D Felony for an operator to use the Internet to engage in unlawful gambling in Indiana or with a person located in Indiana, passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly and was signed by the Governor. An "operator", as defined by SEA 92, is a person who owns, maintains or operates an Internet site that is used for interactive gambling. Under SEA 92, effective July 1, 2005, an operator is guilty of professional gambling if it uses the Internet to accept, or offer to accept, for profit, money or other property risked in gambling in Indiana or in a transaction directly involving a person located in Indiana. We receive source market fees from various in-home wagering providers for the licensing of our live racing products in the distribution of such products through broadcast mediums such as television or the Internet. TVG, one of our major in-home providers in Indiana, ceased operations in Indiana due to legal uncertainty.

Florida

On November 2, 2004, Amendment 4, a slot machine question which sought to allow voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to hold local referenda on the issue, passed by a margin of 1.4%. On March 8, 2005, voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties voted in separate local referenda to decide whether slot machines could be installed at the seven existing pari-mutuel sites in those counties, including Calder. Although the measure passed in Broward County, home of Gulfstream Park, it was unsuccessful in Miami-Dade County, where Calder is located. Slot machine gaming was approved by the Florida legislature during a special session of the Florida legislature on December 9, 2005. Slot operations are expected to commence at Broward's four pari-mutuels in early summer of 2006. We believe that the failure of the local referendum to pass in Miami-Dade County was due primarily to Governor Bush's active opposition to the measure during the final days of the campaign. We are preparing a strategy to seek passage in Miami-Dade County when the issue can again be placed on the ballot. The earliest that it can be placed on the ballot is 2007. We are currently determining when it can be placed on the ballot. The impact on our results of operations and financial position of the failed referendum in Miami-Dade County and the operation of slot machines at pari-mutual wagering facilities in Broward County is uncertain at this time.
 
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Illinois

Pursuant to the Illinois Horse Racing Act, Arlington Park (and all other Illinois racetracks) is permitted to receive a payment commonly known as purse recapture. Generally, in any year that wagering on Illinois horse races at Arlington Park is less than 75% of wagering both in Illinois and at Arlington Park on Illinois horse races in 1994, Arlington Park is permitted to receive 2% of the difference in wagering in the subsequent year. The payment is funded from the Arlington Park purse account. Under the Illinois Horse Racing Act, the Arlington Park purse account is to be repaid via an appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly from the Illinois General Revenue Fund. However, this appropriation has not been made since 2001. Subsequently, Illinois horsemen unsuccessfully petitioned the Illinois Racing Board (“IRB”) to prevent Illinois racetracks from receiving this payment in any year that the Illinois General Assembly did not appropriate the repayment to the racetrack's purse accounts from the General Revenue Fund. Further, the Illinois horsemen filed lawsuits seeking, among other things, to block payment to Illinois racetracks, as well as to recover the 2002 and 2003 amounts already paid to the Illinois racetracks. These lawsuits filed by the Illinois horsemen challenging the 2002 and 2003 reimbursements have been resolved in favor of Arlington Park and the other Illinois racetracks. Several bills were filed in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 sessions of the Illinois legislature that, in part, would eliminate the statutory right of Arlington Park and the other Illinois racetracks to continue to receive this payment. None of these bills passed. As the legal right still exists, Arlington Park has elected to continue to receive the recapture payment from the purse account. If Arlington Park loses the statutory right to receive this payment, there would be a material adverse impact on Arlington Park's results of operations.

Arlington Park is entitled under law to share in the proceeds of the Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund. The Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund is to be funded by the 10th riverboat license issued in Illinois at a rate of 15% of the adjusted gross receipts. The grant of the 10th riverboat license is currently the subject of numerous legal challenges and, as such, is currently not an operational riverboat license. At such time should the 10th riverboat license in Illinois be granted and a riverboat become operational, Arlington Park would be entitled to receive additional revenue, which could be significant. As an alternative, a proposal has been made during the 2006 Spring session of the Illinois legislature that would direct 3% of adjusted gross receipts from most riverboat casinos to be placed into the Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund. All Illinois racetracks and horsemen groups support the proposal. The riverboat casinos are lobbying against the proposal.

During January and February when there is no live racing in Illinois, the IRB designates a Thoroughbred racetrack as the host track in Illinois. The IRB appointed Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois during January 2005, which resulted in pari-mutuel revenues comparable to the same period in 2004. The IRB did not appoint Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois for February 2005, which resulted in a decrease of $1.8 million in pre-tax earnings for the month of February of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The IRB appointed Arlington Park the host track in Illinois during January 2006 for 29 days, which is the same as January 2005. In addition, Arlington Park was appointed the host track for eight days during February of 2006. Arlington Park's future designation as the host track is subject to the annual appointment by the IRB. A change in the number of days that Arlington Park is designated "host track" could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
 
Kentucky

The Kentucky horse industry continues to seek legal authority to offer alternative forms of gaming at Kentucky's eight existing racetracks. Alternative forms of gaming would enable our Kentucky racetracks to better compete with neighboring gaming venues by providing substantial new revenues for purses and capital improvements. Several alternative gaming bills have been filed in the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, including two bills filed in the House and in the Senate. The Kentucky Equine Education Project ("KEEP"), an alliance of the Commonwealth's equine industry leaders, including our Company, supports legislation that calls for a statewide voter referendum in the Fall of 2006 to amend the State constitution to allow Kentucky's eight racetracks to offer full casino gaming. The Commonwealth's share of the new revenue would be earmarked for education, healthcare, local development and environmental concerns benefiting the entire Commonwealth under the KEEP plan. The Senate President has continued to be publicly opposed to alternative gaming. The Governor, on the other hand, states that he would not stop legislation authorizing alternative forms of gaming if it were passed by the House and Senate, but he continues to publicly question the economics. Legislation is not expected to successfully pass during the 2006 legislative session.
 
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Louisiana

We have received statutory, regulatory and other authorizations to operate slot machines at Fair Grounds. Failure to maintain the necessary gaming licenses to own and operate slot machines at Fair Grounds could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. Under the Louisiana statute, Fair Grounds may operate 500 slot machines. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, the agreement between Harrah's Casino in New Orleans and the State of Louisiana has been amended to eliminate the $350.0 million gaming revenue threshold before Fair Grounds may operate 700 slot machines. Fair Grounds is currently pursuing a conforming statutory amendment. Due to Hurricane Katrina, we are currently evaluating the feasibility of beginning construction of a new slot facility.

Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC has completed the process to seek the necessary local zoning change and permits. On August 18, 2005, the New Orleans City Council passed ordinances approving hours of operation for slot machines at Fair Grounds as part of its conditional use permit. The ordinances also established additional provisos negotiated by Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC and the New Orleans City Council relating to other conditional use activities.

In April 2005, the New Orleans City Council instructed the city attorney to file a declaratory judgment action to determine if installation of slot machines at Fair Grounds would violate the City Charter. The Louisiana Attorney General has expressed an opinion that the addition of slots at the racetrack would not violate the City Charter. In June 2005, a resident living near Fair Grounds filed a lawsuit alleging, among other claims, that slot machines at the
racetrack would be a violation of the City Charter, which limits New Orleans to one land-based casino. Based upon an opinion from the Louisiana Attorney General and other legal advice, we do not believe the installation of slot machines at Fair Grounds violates the City Charter.

California

In California, Hollywood Park was part of a coalition of racetracks and card clubs supporting Proposal 68 on the November 2004 ballot. The proposal failed to pass by a margin of 16% to 84%. If passed, this initiative would have directed the governor to renegotiate all existing compacts with Native American tribes in California. If the tribes had declined to renegotiate the existing compacts, then five racetracks, including Hollywood Park, and 11 card clubs would have been allowed to operate electronic gaming devices. We continue to work with other members of the California horse industry on a long-term strategy for developing a legislative agenda that addresses the competitive advantages afforded to Native American casinos due to the fact that we entered into a reinvestment agreement related to the Hollywood Park Racetrack business in accordance with the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park (as more fully described in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”).

Additional information regarding how our facilities could be impacted by legislative changes is included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

H.
Environmental Matters
 
The septic system at our Ellis Park facility must be replaced with a hook-up to city sewers. The project is currently being evaluated by assessing the benefits of different options for remediation. It is unknown at this time when the project will begin or what the ultimate cost to the Company will be, but once the project occurs, it is estimated that the cost will exceed $1.5 million.

It is not anticipated that we will have any material liability as a result of non-compliance with environmental laws with respect to any of our properties. Compliance with environmental laws has not materially affected the ability to develop and operate our properties and we are not otherwise subject to any material compliance costs in connection with federal or state environmental laws.
 
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I.
Service Marks
 
We hold numerous state and federal service mark registrations on specific names and designs in various categories including the entertainment business, apparel, paper goods, printed matter and house wares and glass. We license the use of these service marks and derive revenue from such license agreements.

J.
Employees

As of December 31, 2005, we employed approximately 1,350 full-time employees Company-wide. Due to the seasonal nature of our live racing business, the number of seasonal and part-time persons employed will vary throughout the year. During 2005, average full-time and seasonal employment per pay period was approximately 2,550 individuals Company-wide.

K.
Internet Access

Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on or through our website (www.churchilldownsincorporated.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 1A.

Risks Related to the Company

In addition to risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business that are common to all businesses, important factors that are specific to our industry and company could materially impact our future performance and results. The factors described below are the most significant risks that could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us, that we currently deem immaterial or that are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general may also impair our business and operations. Should any risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have a material, adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive industry. While some of our facilities do not compete directly with other racetracks or OTBs for live, on-track patron attendance due to geographic separation of facilities or differences in seasonal timing of meetings, other of our facilities compete with other racetracks and off-track wagering facilities, some of which offer alternative forms of gaming, such as slot machines, that provide these facilities with the advantage of additional entertainment options. For example, Hoosier Park's market experienced an increase in competition when Indiana Downs, another racetrack, opened near Hoosier Park, and Indiana Downs' OTBs in Evansville and Clarksville, Indiana have had a negative impact on patron attendance at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs and their simulcast operations, respectively. In Florida, Calder Race Course may face competition directly from other Miami-based racetracks in the future.

There has been a general decline in the number of people attending and wagering on live horse races at North American racetracks due to a number of factors, including increased competition discussed above, unwillingness of customers to travel a significant distance to racetracks and the increasing availability of off-track wagering. Declining attendance at live horse racing events has prompted racetracks to rely increasingly on revenues from inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets. The industry-wide focus on inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets has increased competition among racetracks for outlets to simulcast their live races. A continued decrease in attendance at live events and in on-track wagering, as well as increased competition in the inter-track, off-track and account wagering markets, has lead to a decrease in the amount wagered at our facilities and on races conducted at our racetracks and may materially, adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects.
 
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An apparent decline in the popularity of horse racing, as evidenced by decreased industry handle generated during 2005, could adversely impact our business. The continued popularity of horse racing is important to our growth plans and our operating results. Our business plan anticipates attracting new customers to our racetracks and OTBs and off-track betting facilities. Even if we are successful in making acquisitions and expanding and improving our current operations, we may not be able to attract a sufficient number of new customers to achieve our business plan. Public tastes are unpredictable and subject to change. Any decline in the interest in horse racing or any change may adversely impact our revenues and, therefore, our results of operations. Declining on-track attendance and increasing competition in simulcasting may have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

We also compete for patrons with other sports, entertainment and gaming operations, including land-based, riverboat, cruise ship and Native American casinos and state lotteries.

While we currently receive revenues from wagering activity on our racing content over certain third party account wagering sites, we face competition from gaming companies that operate on-line and Internet-based gaming services. These services allow patrons to wager on a wide variety of sporting events from home. Unlike most on-line and Internet-based gaming companies, our business requires significant and ongoing capital expenditures for both its continued operation and expansion. We also could face significantly greater costs in operating our business compared to these gaming companies. We cannot offer the same number of gaming options as on-line and Internet-based gaming companies. In addition, many on-line and Internet gaming companies are based off-shore and avoid regulation under U.S. state and federal laws. These companies may divert wagering dollars from legitimate wagering venues such as our racetracks. Competition in the gaming industry is likely to increase due to limited opportunities for growth in new markets. Our inability to compete successfully with these competitors could have a material, adverse affect on our business.

We Face Extensive Regulation from Various Authorities

The operation of pari-mutuel wagering and gaming facilities is subject to extensive state and local regulation. We depend on continued state approval of legalized gaming in states where we operate. Our wagering and racing facilities must meet the licensing requirements of various regulatory authorities, including the KHRA, the IHRC, the Florida DPW, the LSRC, the Louisiana Board and the IRB. In Louisiana, our gaming operations must meet the licensing requirements of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. As part of this regulatory framework, licenses to conduct live horse racing and to participate in simulcast wagering are granted annually, and gaming licenses in Louisiana are granted every five years. To date, we have obtained all governmental licenses, registrations, permits and approvals necessary for the operation of our racetracks and gaming facilities. However, we may be unable to maintain our existing licenses. In Louisiana, gaming licenses are contingent upon maintaining the racing license, and we must conduct 80 live race days within a 20 week period in order to maintain the racing license. In Indiana, we must conduct 120 live race days in order to conduct simulcasting. The loss of or material change in our licenses, registrations, permits or approvals may materially limit the number of races we conduct and could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. The high degree of regulation in the gaming industry is a significant obstacle to our growth strategy.

Potential Changes in Legislation and Regulation of Our Operations

Our gaming operations exist at the discretion of the states where we conduct business. Certain aspects of our gaming operations are also subject to federal statutes or regulations. All of our pari-mutuel wagering operations are contingent upon continued governmental approval of those operations as forms of legalized gaming. Legislation to limit or prohibit gaming (pari-mutuel or non-pari-mutuel) may be introduced in the future. Any restriction on or prohibition of gaming operations could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, any expansion of our gaming operations into alternative gaming, such as slot machines, video lottery terminals and other forms of non-pari-mutuel gaming, will likely require various additional licenses, registrations, permits and approvals. The approval process can be time-consuming and costly, and there is no assurance of success. We have and continue to seek legal authority to offer alternative gaming at our racetracks where alternative gaming is not currently permitted.
 
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The Indiana horse racing industry currently receives a subsidy from riverboat casinos. Currently the subsidy is distributed as follows: 40% for purse expenses, 20% for breed development and 40% for the two existing racetrack operators, which is divided equally. During March of 2006, the IHRC approved “Integrity ’06,” a program designed to improve the integrity of horse racing in Indiana that is effective April 1, 2006. The estimated cost of complying with the rules and regulations created by “Integrity ‘06” will be financed by the two existing racetrack operators in Indiana using the subsidy paid by riverboat casinos, which is estimated to be 2% of the total subsidy. As a result, beginning April 1, 2006, the subsidy will be distributed as follows: 39.2% for purse expenses, 19.6% for breed development and 41.2% for the two existing racetrack operators, which is divided equally. Any change in this arrangement could adversely impact our operations in Indiana and the value of this operation.

In Illinois, the IRB has the authority to designate racetracks as "host track" for the purpose of receiving host track revenues generated during periods when no racetrack is conducting live races. Racetracks that are designated as "host track" obtain and distribute out of state simulcast signals for the State of Illinois. Under Illinois law, the "host track" is entitled to a larger portion of commissions on the related pari-mutuel wagering. Failure to designate Arlington Park as "host track" during this period could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, Arlington Park is statutorily entitled to recapture as revenues monies that are otherwise payable to Arlington Park's purse account. The right to recapture these revenues is subject to change every legislative session.

These statutory or regulatory established revenue sources are subject to change every legislative session. The reduction or elimination of any one of them could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, certain revenue sources are dedicated by legislation or regulation and may be subject to change.

The passage of legislation permitting alternative gaming at racetracks can be a long and uncertain process. As a result, there can be no assurance that (1) jurisdictions in which we own or operate racetracks will pass legislation permitting alternative gaming, (2) if jurisdictions pass such legislation, it will be permitted at our racetracks, and (3) if alternative gaming is permitted at our racetracks, it will be on economically viable terms. If alternative gaming legislation is enacted in any jurisdiction where we own or operate a racetrack and we proceed to conduct alternative gaming, there may be significant costs and other resources to be expended and there will be significant risks involved, including the risk of changes in the enabling legislation, that may have a material, adverse impact on that racetrack's results of operations.

We May Not be Able to Attract Quality Horses and Trainers

To provide high quality horse racing, we must attract the country's top horses and trainers. Our success in attracting the top horses and trainers largely depends on the overall horse population available for racing and our ability to offer and fund competitive purses. Various factors have led to declines in the horse population in certain areas of the country, including competition from racetracks in other areas and Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome ("MRLS") which caused a large number of mares in Kentucky to sustain late term abortions or early embryonic loss in 2001. With respect to MRLS, the number of foals registered in 2005 was the same as the number registered in 2004, indicating a stabilization of the foal crop. The number of Thoroughbreds registered has an impact on the number of horses available to participate in live racing. The stabilization of bloodstock sales during 2005 is primarily attributed to an improving economy, favorable tax law changes for horse purchasers and the strength of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar which helped drive increased participation by overseas buyers. We also face increased competition for horses and trainers from racetracks that are licensed to operate slot machines and other electronic gaming machines that provide these racetracks an advantage in generating new additional revenues for race purses and capital improvements.

Any decline in the number of suitable race horses could prevent us from attracting top horses and trainers and may require us to reduce the number of live races we present. A reduction in suitable race horses could force us to increase the size of our purses or other benefits we offer, to conduct fewer races or to accept horses of a lower quality.
 
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We Experience Significant Seasonal Fluctuations in Operating Results

We experience significant fluctuations in quarterly and annual operating results due to seasonality and other factors. We have a limited number of live racing days at our racetracks, and the number of live racing days varies from year to year. The number of live racing days we can offer directly affects our operating results. A significant decrease in the number of live racing days and/or live races could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. Our live racing schedule dictates that we earn a substantial portion of our net earnings in the second quarter of each year, when the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks races are run over the first weekend in May. Business interruption, such as weather conditions, could affect our ability to conduct our material races. Any adverse impact on our races, including the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and the key races at our other tracks could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our Business Depends on Providers of Totalisator Services

In purchasing and selling our pari-mutuel wagering products, our customers depend on information provided by United Tote Company, Scientific Games Racing and AmTote International, Inc. These totalisator companies provide the computer systems that accumulate wagers, record sales, calculate payoffs and display wagering data in a secure manner. These are the only three major vendors that provide this service in North America. The loss of any one of these vendors as a provider of this critical service would decrease competition and could result in an increase in the cost to obtain these services. Because of the highly specialized nature of these services, replicating these totalisator services would be expensive.

In addition, we rely upon the totalisator company's computer systems to ensure the integrity of our wagering process. A perceived lack of integrity in the wagering systems could result in a decline in bettor confidence and could lead to a decline in the amount wagered on horse racing. The failure of totalisator companies to keep their technology current could limit our ability to serve patrons effectively or develop new forms of wagering and/or affect the security of the wagering process, thus affecting patron confidence in our product.

We May be Held Responsible for Contamination, Even if We Did Not Cause the Contamination

Our business is subject to a variety of federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, environmental laws and regulations could hold us responsible for the cost of cleaning up hazardous materials contaminating real property that we own or operate or properties at which we have disposed of hazardous materials, even if we did not cause the contamination. We believe that we are currently in compliance with the applicable environmental laws and have no material cleanup obligations. However, if we fail to comply with environmental laws or if contamination is discovered, a court or government agency could impose severe penalties or restrictions on our operations or assess us with the costs of taking remedial actions.

Inclement Weather and Other Conditions

Since horse racing is conducted outdoors, unfavorable weather conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, could cause races to be cancelled and/or wagering to suffer. Our operations are subject to reduced patronage, disruptions or complete cessation of operations due to severe weather conditions, natural disasters and other casualties. During 2005, we sustained disruption to our operations at Calder Race Course in Florida, Fair Grounds Race Course and our OTB locations in Louisiana, and Ellis Park in Kentucky due to the damage caused by hurricanes and a tornado. Although we were able to run a shortened Fair Grounds race meet at another location, this facility remains closed due to the extent of the damage suffered from Hurricane Katrina. The timing of the re-opening of this facility and three of the OTBs in Louisiana remains uncertain. We are also restoring Ellis Park for operation of its 2006 summer meet. Any flood or other severe weather condition that could lead to the loss of use of our other facilities for an extended period could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

We May Not be Able to Complete Acquisition or Expansion Projects on Time, on Budget or As Planned

We expect to pursue expansion and acquisition opportunities, and we regularly evaluate opportunities for development, including acquisition of other properties and ways to expand our business operations, which evaluations may include discussions and the review of confidential information after the execution of nondisclosure agreements with potential acquisition candidates and/or development partners.
 
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We could face challenges in identifying development projects that fit our strategic objectives, identifying potential acquisition candidates and/or development partners, negotiating projects on acceptable terms, and managing and integrating the acquisition or development projects. The integration of new operations and any other properties we may acquire or develop will require the dedication of management resources that may temporarily divert attention from our day-to-day business. The process of integrating new properties or projects may also interrupt the activities of those businesses, which could have a material, adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure that any new properties or developments will be completed or integrated successfully.

Management of new properties or business operations, especially in new geographic areas, may require that we increase our managerial resources. We cannot assure that we will be able to manage the combined operations effectively or realize any of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions or developments.

We Depend on Agreements with Our Horsemen

The U.S. Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, as well as various state racing laws, require that we have written agreements with the horsemen at our racetracks in order to simulcast races, and in some cases conduct live racing. We also have written agreements with horse owners with regards to the proceeds of gaming machines in Louisiana. The failure to maintain agreements with our horsemen and industry associations on satisfactory terms could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

We Depend on Key Personnel

We are highly dependant on the services of Thomas H. Meeker, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of our senior management team. We have initiated a formal succession plan to hire the successor to Mr. Meeker who plans to retire from the Company when his employment contract expires in March of 2007. Our inability to successfully replace Mr. Meeker and hire and retain key personnel could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

We May Not be Able to Adequately Insure Our Properties

The significant damage and resulting insurance claims caused by (i) Hurricane Katrina to the New Orleans, Louisiana area and our Fair Grounds facility and OTBs; (ii) Hurricane Wilma to South Florida and our Calder Race Course facility; and (iii) a tornado that struck our Ellis Park facility, will increase the costs of obtaining property coverage for our facilities and significantly impact our ability to obtain and maintain adequate property coverage at our facilities. Our ability to obtain and maintain adequate property coverage at reasonable prices could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

Other Risks

Many other risks beyond our control could seriously disrupt our operations, including:

  The effect of global economic conditions;
  The effect (including possible increases in the cost of doing business) resulting from future war and terrorist activities or political uncertainties;
  The economic environment;
  The impact of interest rate fluctuations;
  The financial performance of our racing operations;
  Costs associated with our efforts in support of alternative gaming initiatives;
•      Costs associated with Customer Relationship Management initiatives; and
  Our accountability for environmental contamination.

ITEM 1B.

None.
 
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ITEM 2.

Information concerning property owned by us required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in Item 1. "Business" of this Report.

Our real and personal property (but not including the property of Hoosier Park, CDSP, KOTB, NASRIN or Kentucky Downs) is encumbered by liens securing our $200 million revolving line of credit facility. The shares of stock of and ownership interests in certain of our subsidiaries are also pledged to secure this debt facility.

The Kentucky Derby Museum is located on property that is adjacent to, but not owned by, Churchill Downs. The Museum is owned and operated by the Kentucky Derby Museum Corporation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

ITEM 3.

On March 2, 2005, the Company commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against the Jockey's Guild, a trade organization associated with many of the jockeys who race at the Company's tracks. The case was filed due to certain actions by the Jockey's Guild at certain of the Company's tracks that interfered with the Company's operations. In the case, the Company asserts claims under the antitrust laws and seeks injunctive relief along with damages. The Jockey Guild has filed a counterclaim asserting various claims, including claims for alleged violations of the antitrust laws by the Company, and seeks injunctive relief along with damages.

There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated by governmental authorities.

ITEM 4.

No matter was submitted to a vote of our shareholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

 
   
ITEM 5.

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CHDN. As of March 8, 2006, there were approximately 3,744 shareholders of record.

The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices, as reported by NASDAQ, and dividend payment information for our common stock during the last two years:

   
2005 - By Quarter
 
2004 - By Quarter
   
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
 
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
High Sale
 
$48.30
$45.63
$48.40
$39.19
 
$40.02
$40.95
$40.73
$47.61
Low Sale
 
$36.99
$36.58
$32.91
$31.07
 
$34.79
$35.51
$33.76
$33.31
Dividend per share:
   
 $0.50
       
 $0.50

We presently expect that comparable annual cash dividends (adjusted for any stock splits or other similar transactions) will continue to be paid in the future.
 
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The following table provides information with respect to shares of common stock repurchased by the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2005:

 
 
 
 
Period
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
 
 
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
Period 1
             
10/1/05 - 10/31/05
 -
 
-
 
 -
 
 -
Period 2
             
11/1/05 - 11/30/05
5,456  (1)
 
$36.30
 
-
 
-
Period 3
             
12/1/05 - 12/31/05
-   
 
-
 
-
 
-
Total
5,456         
 
$36.30
 
-
 
-

 
(1)
Shares of common stock were acquired from a stock option plan participant in payment of the exercise price on exercised stock options.
 
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ITEM 6.
 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
 Years ended December 31,
   
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
 
Operations:
                     
                       
Net revenues
 
$408,801
 
$361,187
 
$348,505
 
$356,886
 
$341,333
 
                       
Operating income
 
$20,887
 
$24,583
 
$37,066
 
$31,496
 
$37,279
 
                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
 
$12,810
 
$9,769
 
$23,308
 
$17,528
 
21,904
 
                       
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$66,098
 
$(854
)
$71
 
2,107
 
$(364
)
                       
Net earnings
 
$78,908
 
$8,915
 
$23,379
 
$19,635
 
$21,540
 
                       
Basic net earnings from continuing operations per common share
 
$0.98
 
$0.74
 
$1.77
 
$1.35
 
$1.67
 
                       
Basic net earnings per common share
 
$5.92
 
$0.67
 
$1.77
 
$1.50
 
$1.65
 
                       
Diluted net earnings from continuing operations per common share
 
$0.96
 
$0.73
 
$1.74
 
$1.31
 
$1.66
 
                       
Diluted net earnings per common share
 
$5.86
 
$0.67
 
$1.75
 
$1.47
 
$1.63
 
                       
Annual dividends paid per common share
 
$0.50
 
$0.50
 
$0.50
 
$0.50
 
$0.50
 
                       
Balance Sheet Data at Period End:
                     
                       
Total assets
 
$514,542
 
$642,277
 
$502,910
 
$467,934
 
$473,418
 
                       
Working capital (deficiency) surplus
 
$(35,929
)
$115,081
 
$91,169
 
$111,805
 
$107,251
 
                       
Long-term debt
 
$33,793
 
$242,770
 
$126,836
 
$123,348
 
$133,348
 
                       
Other Data:
                     
                       
Shareholders' equity
 
$316,231
 
$238,428
 
$251,350
 
$232,130
 
$215,702
 
                       
Shareholders' equity per common share
 
$24.08
 
$18.48
 
$18.97
 
$17.64
 
$16.47
 
                       
Additions to racing plant and equipment, exclusive of business acquisitions, net
 
$43,238
 
$77,172
 
$40,855
 
$22,723
 
$14,626
 
 
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The selected financial data presented above is subject to the following information:

 
(1)
During 2005, the Company recognized a gain of $69.9 million, net of income taxes, on the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.
 
(2)
During 2004, the Company recorded a $4.3 million loss representing an unrealized loss on derivative instruments embedded in a convertible promissory note, a $1.6 million gain on the sale of our 19% interest in Kentucky Downs and a $6.2 million asset impairment loss recorded to write down the assets of Ellis Park (part of our Kentucky Operations segment) to its estimated fair value.
 
(3)
During 2003, the Company recorded a $4.1 million gain related to an Illinois real estate tax settlement. The amount recorded, net of attorney's fees and other reductions, approximates $3.1 million reflected as a reduction in operating expenses and $1.0 million in earned interest income.
 
(4)
During 2002, an asset impairment loss of $4.5 million was recorded to write down the assets of Ellis Park (part of our Kentucky Operations segment) to their estimated fair value.
 
(5)
On January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" which required us to discontinue the amortization of goodwill. In 2001, goodwill amortization amounted to $1.4 million.

ITEM 7.

Information set forth in this discussion and analysis contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act") provides certain "safe harbor" provisions for forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made pursuant to the Act. The reader is cautioned that such forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time and/or management's good faith belief with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "will," and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include those factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

You should read this discussion with the financial statements and other financial information included in this report. Our significant accounting polices are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form
10-K.

Overview

We conduct pari-mutuel wagering on live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing and simulcast signals of races. Additionally, we offer racing services through our other interests as well as alternative gaming through video poker machines in Louisiana.
 
We operate the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, which has conducted Thoroughbred racing since 1875 and is internationally known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, and Ellis Park Race Course, Inc., a Thoroughbred racing operation in Henderson, Kentucky (collectively referred to as "Kentucky Operations"). We also own and operate Arlington Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Arlington Heights, Illinois; and Calder Race Course, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Miami Gardens, Florida. During October 2004, we purchased the assets of Fair Grounds Race Course ("Fair Grounds"), a Thoroughbred racing operation in New Orleans, Louisiana and the stock of Video Services Inc. ("VSI"), the owner and operator of more than 700 video poker machines in Louisiana. Additionally, we are the majority owner and operator of Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana, which conducts Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing. We conduct simulcast wagering on horse racing at 23 simulcast wagering facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Louisiana, as well as at our six racetracks.
 
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The Churchill Downs Simulcast Network ("CDSN") was developed in 2002 to focus on the distribution of our simulcast signal. CDSN provides the principal oversight of our interstate and international simulcast and wagering opportunities, as well as the marketing, sales, operations and data support efforts related to the Company-owned racing content.

Recent Developments

Sale of Assets of Hollywood Park

On September 23, 2005, Churchill Downs California Company ("CDCC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the disposition of the Hollywood Park Racetrack horse racing facility and the Hollywood Park Casino facility located in Inglewood, California ("Hollywood Park"), to Hollywood Park Land Company, LLC (the "Purchaser") pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated July 6, 2005. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser acquired substantially all of the assets of CDCC used in its operation of the Hollywood Park Racetrack, which includes land, buildings, improvements and equipment, and the building in which the Hollywood Park Casino is operated and related fixtures for a purchase price of $260.0 million cash (the "Assets"), and, in addition, the Purchaser agreed to assume certain liabilities of CDCC related to the Assets, subject to certain adjustments contained in the Purchase Agreement as described below. The actual cash proceeds received by CDCC on September 23, 2005, including the amounts applied to pay off indebtedness, was $254.6 million after the adjustments described below, which excludes transaction costs of $5.4 million and cash sold of $856.8 thousand.

In connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, as amended, between CDCC and Bay Meadows Land Company, LLC ("Bay Meadows"), CDCC and the Purchaser, the assignee of Bay Meadows, entered into a letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") modifying the Purchase Agreement between CDCC and Bay Meadows. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, the parties agreed at closing of the Purchase Agreement to reduce the purchase price of the assets acquired by the Purchaser by $2.5 million to address environmental remediation issues and to provide a working capital adjustment in favor of the Purchaser in the amount of $2.5 million. In addition, as of the closing, the parties agreed that CDCC would retain certain immaterial liabilities and certain simulcast receivables and payables.

Also, in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, Bay Meadows, Stockbridge Real Estate Fund II-A, LP, Stockbridge Real Estate Fund II-B, L.P., Stockbridge Real Estate Fund II-T, LP, Stockbridge Hollywood Park Co-Investors, LP, Stockbridge HP Holdings Company, LLC and Churchill Downs Investment Company entered into a reinvestment agreement (the "Reinvestment Agreement"). Pursuant to the Reinvestment Agreement, Churchill Downs Investment Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, will have the option to reinvest in the Hollywood Park Racetrack business, in the event of certain triggering events which would allow the Hollywood Park Racetrack business to engage in electronic gaming, or other significant gaming and/or subsidies not currently authorized.

Hurricane Katrina

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana area ("New Orleans"). Our Louisiana Operations, including Fair Grounds, its 11 OTBs and Video Services, Inc., the exclusive operator of more than 700 video poker machines, closed as a result of this disaster. On October 26, 2005, five OTBs, including four that offer video poker, reopened to the public. Two additional OTBs, both of which offer video poker, reopened to the public on each of December 16, 2005 and February 2, 2006. Also, on September 13, 2005, we reached an agreement with Harrah's Bossier City Investment Company, L.L.C., d/b/a Harrah's Louisiana Downs, for a shortened Fair Grounds race meet from November 19, 2005 through January 22, 2006, for a total of 37 race dates. Under the agreement, the 37 race dates were conducted at Harrah's Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, Louisiana. Due to the fact that Hurricane Katrina had a significant impact on New Orleans, the Company is currently evaluating if or when the remaining portion of its Louisiana Operations will recommence.
 
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A significant portion of the assets of our Louisiana Operations has suffered damages from Hurricane Katrina. We carry property and casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance. We are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent insurance proceeds will offset any losses. As of December 31, 2005, we have received $4.0 million in insurance proceeds in advance. Approximately $2.2 million of the proceeds was recorded as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses against losses related to the interruption of business caused by Hurricane Katrina that were actually incurred through December 31, 2005, that management determined are probable of recovery under an existing business interruption insurance policy. The remaining $1.8 million of proceeds has been recorded as a current liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2005 until such time that management identifies additional future business interruption or property and casualty losses that are deemed probable of recovery under existing insurance policies. We have not yet determined the ultimate impact that Hurricane Katrina will have on our results of operations. However, under existing policies, we are required to pay a $500.0 thousand deductible related to any recoveries for damages.

Hurricane Wilma

On October 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma caused significant damage to Miami as well as other parts of South Florida. Calder Race Course sustained damage to its clubhouse facility and parts of its stable area. Calder Race Course also lost power during the storm and closed as a result. On October 29, 2005, Calder Race Course reopened for simulcast wagering. On October 30, 2005, Calder Race Course reopened for a reduced number of live turf races. We resumed a full card of normal live racing on November 3, 2005.

A significant portion of the assets of Calder Race Course has suffered damages from Hurricane Wilma. We carry property and casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance. We are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine to what extent insurance proceeds will offset any losses. We do not believe that Hurricane Wilma will have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. We further believe that Calder will be fully restored prior to the beginning of the race meeting in 2006. Under existing policies, we are required to pay a deductible equal to 2% of the total insured value on an insurable unit basis related to any recoveries for damages.

Tornado Damage

On November 6, 2005, a tornado caused significant damage to portions of southwestern Indiana and northwestern Kentucky, including Henderson, Kentucky, the location of Ellis Park racetrack and its on-site simulcast facility. Ellis Park sustained damage to its stable area as well as several other buildings at the racetrack. Ellis Park also lost power during the storm and closed as a result. Simulcast operations at Ellis Park resumed on November 16, 2005, and Ellis Park will conduct its scheduled racing meet during 2006. We carry property and casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance. We do not believe that the tornado damage will have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations.

2006 Insurance Renewals

In late February of 2006, we renewed our property, workers' compensation and general liability coverages with substantially the same levels of coverage. However, for our property insurance renewal, our deductible increased to 5% of the total insured value on an insurable unit basis for wind losses in Florida and Louisiana, compared to 2% of the total insured value on an insurable unit basis in Florida last year and $500 thousand in Louisiana last year. Additionally, our renewal premiums for property insurance increased by more than three times last year's premiums, or $2.8 million.
 
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Legislative and Regulatory Changes

Federal

In 2003, the country of Antigua filed a formal complaint against the United States with the World Trade Organization ("WTO"), challenging the United States' ability to enforce certain Federal gaming laws (Sections 1084, 1952 and 1955 of Title 18 of the United States Code known as the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act, respectively, and collectively the "Acts") against foreign companies that were accepting Internet wagers from United States residents. At issue was whether the United States' enforcement of the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act against foreign companies violated the General Agreement on Trade in Services ("GATS"). In November of 2004, a WTO panel ruled that the United States, as a signatory of GATS, could not enforce the Acts against foreign companies that were accepting Internet wagers from United States residents. The United States appealed the ruling and, in April of 2005, the WTO's appellate body ruled that the United States had demonstrated that the Wire Act, the Travel Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act were measures necessary to protect public morals or maintain public order, but that the United States did not enforce the Acts consistently between domestic companies and foreign companies as required by GATS. The WTO's appellate body specifically referenced the Interstate Horseracing Act, which appeared to authorize domestic companies to accept Internet wagers on horse racing, as being inconsistent with the United States' stated policy against Internet wagering. In arguments and briefs before the WTO's appellate body, the United States argued that the Acts, specifically the Wire Act, applies equally to domestic companies and foreign companies and the Interstate Horseracing Act does not create an exception for domestic companies to accept Internet wagering on horseracing. The WTO's appellate body did not rule on whether an exception was created, but recommended that the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body request the United States bring measures found to be inconsistent with GATS into conformity with its obligations with GATS. The United States has until April 3, 2006 to bring its policies in line with the ruling, assuming it believes any changes are necessary. The effect of this ruling on the ability of domestic companies to accept Internet wagers and other account wagers on horse racing is unclear. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, on behalf of its members, including Churchill Downs Incorporated, is currently in discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative on various alternatives the United States may choose to take both administratively and legislatively in the wake of the appellate ruling.

Indiana

During April of 2005, Senate Enrolled Act 92 ("SEA 92"), a bill that makes it a Class D Felony for an operator to use the Internet to engage in unlawful gambling in Indiana or with a person located in Indiana, passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly and was signed by the Governor. An "operator", as defined by SEA 92, is a person who owns, maintains or operates an Internet site that is used for interactive gambling. Under SEA 92, effective July 1, 2005, an operator is guilty of professional gambling if it uses the Internet to accept, or offer to accept, for profit, money or other property risked in gambling in Indiana or in a transaction directly involving a person located in Indiana. We receive source market fees from various in-home wagering providers for the licensing of our live racing products in the distribution of such products through broadcast mediums such as television or the Internet. TVG, one of our major in-home providers in Indiana, has ceased operations in Indiana due to legal uncertainty.

Florida

On November 2, 2004, Amendment 4, a slot machine question which sought to allow voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to hold local referenda on the issue, passed by a margin of 1.4%. On March 8, 2005, voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties voted in separate local referenda to decide whether slot machines could be installed at the seven existing pari-mutuel sites in those counties, including Calder. Although the measure passed in Broward County, home of Gulfstream Park, it was unsuccessful in Miami-Dade County, where Calder is located. Slot machine gaming was approved by the Florida legislature during a special session of the Florida legislature on December 9, 2005. Slot operations are expected to commence at Broward's four pari-mutuels in early Summer of 2006. We believe that the failure of the local referendum to pass in Miami-Dade County was due primarily to Governor Bush's active opposition to the measure during the final days of the campaign. We are preparing a strategy to seek passage in Miami-Dade County when the issue can again be placed on the ballot. The earliest that it can be placed on the ballot is 2007. We are currently determining when it can be placed on the ballot. The impact on our results of operations and financial position of the failed referendum in Miami-Dade County and the operation of slot machines at pari-mutuel wagering facilities in Broward County is uncertain at this time.
 
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Illinois

Pursuant to the Illinois Horse Racing Act, Arlington Park (and all other Illinois racetracks) is permitted to receive a payment commonly known as purse recapture. Generally, in any year that wagering on Illinois horse races at Arlington Park is less than 75% of wagering both in Illinois and at Arlington Park on Illinois horse races in 1994, Arlington Park is permitted to receive 2% of the difference in wagering in the subsequent year. The payment is funded from the Arlington Park purse account. Under the Illinois Horse Racing Act, the Arlington Park purse account is to be repaid via an appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly from the Illinois General Revenue Fund. However, this appropriation has not been made since 2001. Subsequently, Illinois horsemen unsuccessfully petitioned the Illinois Racing Board (“IRB”) to prevent Illinois racetracks from receiving this payment in any year that the Illinois General Assembly did not appropriate the repayment to the racetrack's purse accounts from the General Revenue Fund. Further, the Illinois horsemen filed lawsuits seeking, among other things, to block payment to Illinois racetracks, as well as to recover the 2002 and 2003 amounts already paid to the Illinois racetracks. These lawsuits filed by the Illinois horsemen challenging the 2002 and 2003 reimbursements have been resolved in favor of Arlington Park and the other Illinois racetracks. Several bills were filed in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 sessions of the Illinois legislature that, in part, would eliminate the statutory right of Arlington Park and the other Illinois racetracks to continue to receive this payment. None of these bills passed. As the legal right still exists, Arlington Park has elected to continue to receive the recapture payment from the purse account. If Arlington Park loses the statutory right to receive this payment, there would be a material adverse impact on Arlington Park's results of operations.
 
Arlington Park is entitled under law to share in the proceeds of the Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund. The Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund is to be funded by the 10th riverboat license issued in Illinois at a rate of 15% of the adjusted gross receipts. The grant of the 10th riverboat license is currently the subject of numerous legal challenges and, as such, is currently not an operational riverboat license. At such time should the 10th riverboat license in Illinois be granted and a riverboat become operational, Arlington Park would be entitled to receive additional revenue, which could be significant. As an alternative, a proposal has been made during the 2006 Spring session of the Illinois legislature that would direct 3% of adjusted gross receipts from most riverboat casinos to be placed into the Illinois Horse Racing Equity Fund. All Illinois racetracks and horsemen groups support the proposal. The riverboat casinos are lobbying against the proposal
 
During January and February when there is no live racing in Illinois, the IRB designates a Thoroughbred racetrack as the host track in Illinois. The IRB appointed Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois during January 2005, which resulted in pari-mutuel revenues comparable to the same period in 2004. The IRB did not appoint Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois for February 2005, which resulted in a decrease of $1.8 million in pre-tax earnings for the month of February of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The IRB appointed Arlington Park the host track in Illinois during January 2006 for 29 days, which is the same as January 2005. In addition, Arlington Park was appointed the host track for eight days during February of 2006. Arlington Park's future designation as the host track is subject to the annual appointment by the IRB. A change in the number of days that Arlington Park is designated "host track" could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Kentucky

The Kentucky horse industry continues to seek legal authority to offer alternative forms of gaming at Kentucky's eight existing racetracks. Alternative forms of gaming would enable our Kentucky racetracks to better compete with neighboring gaming venues by providing substantial new revenues for purses and capital improvements. Several alternative gaming bills have been filed in the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, including two bills filed in the House and in the Senate. The Kentucky Equine Education Project ("KEEP"), an alliance of the Commonwealth's equine industry leaders, including our Company, supports legislation that calls for a statewide voter referendum in the Fall of 2006 to amend the State constitution to allow Kentucky's eight racetracks to offer full casino gaming. The Commonwealth's share of the new revenue would be earmarked for education, healthcare, local development and environmental concerns benefiting the entire Commonwealth under the KEEP plan. The Senate President has continued to be publicly opposed to alternative gaming. The Governor, on the other hand, states that he would not stop legislation authorizing alternative forms of gaming if it were passed by the House and Senate, but he continues to publicly question the economics. Legislation is not expected to successfully pass during the 2006 legislative session.
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Louisiana

We have received statutory, regulatory and other authorizations to operate slot machines at Fair Grounds. Failure to maintain the necessary gaming licenses to own and operate slot machines at Fair Grounds could have a material, adverse impact on our results of operations. Under the Louisiana statute, Fair Grounds may operate 500 slot machines. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, the agreement between Harrah's Casino in New Orleans and the State of Louisiana has been amended to eliminate the $350.0 million gaming revenue threshold before Fair Grounds may operate 700 slot machines. Fair Grounds is currently pursing a conforming statutory amendment. Due to Hurricane Katrina, we are currently evaluating the feasibility of beginning construction of a new slot facility.

Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC has completed the process to seek the necessary local zoning change and permits. On August 18, 2005, the New Orleans City Council passed ordinances approving hours of operation for slot machines at Fair Grounds as part of its conditional use permit. The ordinances also established additional provisos negotiated by Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC and the New Orleans City Council relating to other conditional use activities.

In April 2005, the New Orleans City Council instructed the city attorney to file a declaratory judgment action to determine if installation of slot machines at Fair Grounds would violate the City Charter. The Louisiana Attorney General has expressed an opinion that the addition of slots at the racetrack would not violate the City Charter. In June 2005, a resident living near Fair Grounds filed a lawsuit alleging, among other claims, that slot machines at the racetrack would be a violation of the City Charter, which limits New Orleans to one land-based casino. Based upon an opinion from the Louisiana Attorney General and other legal advice, we do not believe the installation of slot machines at Fair Grounds violates the City Charter.

California

In California, Hollywood Park was part of a coalition of racetracks and card clubs supporting Proposal 68 on the November 2004 ballot. The proposal failed to pass by a margin of 16% to 84%. If passed, this initiative would have directed the governor to renegotiate all existing compacts with Native American tribes in California. If the tribes had declined to renegotiate the existing compacts, then five racetracks, including Hollywood Park, and 11 card clubs would have been allowed to operate electronic gaming devices. We continue to work with other members of the California horse industry on a long-term strategy for developing a legislative agenda that addresses the competitive advantages afforded to Native American casinos due to the fact that we entered into a reinvestment agreement related to the Hollywood Park Racetrack business in accordance with the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park (as more fully described above under "Recent Developments").

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Accordingly, we are required to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our historical experience, contract terms, observance of known trends in our company and the industry as a whole, and information available from other outside sources. Our estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those initial estimates. In general, however, our estimates have historically approximated actual results.

Our most significant estimates relate to the valuation of plant and equipment, receivables, goodwill and other intangible assets, which may be significantly affected by changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, and to the aggregate costs for self-insured liability and workers compensation claims. Additionally, estimates are used for determining income tax liabilities, the valuation of interest rate risk derivative contracts (interest rate swaps) and other derivative instruments.
 
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We evaluate our goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets in accordance with the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142") and SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." For goodwill and intangible assets, we review the carrying values at least annually during the first quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. We assign estimated useful lives to our intangible assets based on the period of time the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. We consider certain factors when assigning useful lives such as legal, regulatory, competition and other economic factors. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method.

While we believe that our estimates of future revenues and cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect our assessment of useful lives and fair values. Changes in assumptions may cause modifications to our estimates for amortization or impairment, thereby impacting our results of operations. If the estimated lives of our intangible assets were to decrease based on the factors mentioned above, amortization expense could increase significantly.

Our business can be impacted positively and negatively by legislative and regulatory changes and by alternative gaming competition. A significant negative impact from these activities could result in a significant impairment of our plant and equipment and/or our goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Additional information regarding how our business can be impacted by competition and legislative changes is included in Items 1F and 1G, respectively, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the third quarter of 2004, we recognized a fixed asset impairment charge of $4.4 million and an intangible asset impairment charge of $1.8 million at our Ellis Park facility. The asset impairment charges were triggered as a result of Ellis Park's poor live race meet performance during the third quarter of 2004. Our review, based on consideration of current fiscal year operating results and the forecasted operating results of the facility, indicated that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows were insufficient to recover the carrying value of long-lived assets. Accordingly, we adjusted the carrying value of these long-lived assets, including grandstands and buildings ($3,549), furniture and fixtures ($85), equipment ($217), improvements ($512) and goodwill ($1,839), to management's estimated fair value. We anticipate that the current carrying value of Ellis Park will be supported by ongoing operations, however, should plans for expected operating results at Ellis Park not be realized, an additional write down of these assets could occur.

In connection with losses incurred from natural disasters, insurance proceeds are collected on existing business interruption and property and casualty insurance policies. When losses are sustained in one period and the amounts to be recovered are collected in a subsequent period, management uses estimates and judgment to determine the amounts that are probable of recovery under such policies as specified in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 30, "Accounting for Involuntary Conversions of Nonmonetary Assets to Monetary Assets."

We also use estimates and judgments for financial reporting to determine our current tax liability, as well as those taxes deferred until future periods. Net deferred and accrued income taxes represent significant assets and liabilities of the Company. In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes as specified in SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," we recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.

Adjustments to deferred taxes are determined based upon changes in differences between the book basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities, measured by future tax rates we estimate will be applicable when these differences are expected to reverse. Changes in current tax laws, enacted tax rates or the estimated level of taxable income or non-deductible expenses could change the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and affect the overall effective tax rate and tax provision.
 
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Historically, we have utilized interest rate swap contracts to hedge exposure to interest rate fluctuations on our variable rate debt and have designated such swaps as cash flow hedges of anticipated interest payments. Our interest rate swap contracts matched the critical terms of the underlying debt, thus qualifying for hedge accounting. Such critical terms include the notional amounts, benchmark interest rate basis, interest reset dates and payment dates. The fair market value of the swaps was recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or liability with the offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income net of income taxes. Any changes in the fair market value of the swaps was adjusted to the asset or liability account and recorded net of the income taxes in other comprehensive income.

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable that we have deemed to have a high risk of collectibility. We analyze historical collection trends and customer creditworthiness when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. Any changes in our assumptions or estimates could impact our bad debt expense and results of operations.

For our business insurance renewals over the past several years, we assumed more risk than in the prior years, primarily through higher retentions and higher maximum losses for stop-loss insurance for certain coverages. In 2005, our business insurance renewals included substantially the same coverages and retentions as in previous years. We estimate insurance liabilities for workers compensation and general liability losses based on our historical loss experience, certain actuarial assumptions of loss development factors and current industry trends. Any changes in our assumptions, actuarial assumptions or loss experience could impact our total insurance cost and overall results of operations. Our ability to obtain insurance coverage at acceptable costs in future years under terms and conditions comparable to the current years is uncertain.

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Consolidated Net Revenues

Our net revenues and earnings are significantly influenced by our racing calendar. Therefore, revenues and operating results for any interim quarter are not generally indicative of the revenues and operating results for the year, and may not be comparable with results for the corresponding period of the previous year. We historically have very few live racing days during the first quarter of each year, with a majority of our live racing occurring in the second, third and fourth quarters, including the running of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in the second quarter. However in 2004, we acquired Fair Grounds, which would provide us with significant live racing days in the first quarter subject to recommencing operations at Fair Grounds. Information regarding racing dates at our facilities for 2006 and 2005 is included in Item 1E, "Licenses and Live Racing Dates" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our pari-mutuel revenues include commissions on pari-mutuel wagering at our racetracks and off-track betting facilities (net of state pari-mutuel taxes), plus simulcast host fees from other wagering sites and source market fees generated from contracts with our in-home wagering providers. In addition to the commissions earned on pari-mutuel wagering, we earn pari-mutuel related streams of revenues from sources that are not related to wagering. These other revenues are primarily derived from statutory racing regulations in some of the states where our facilities are located and can fluctuate materially year-to-year. Non-wagering revenues are primarily generated from admissions, sponsorships, licensing rights and broadcast fees, Indiana riverboat admissions subsidy, concessions, video poker, lease income and other sources.

Pari-mutuel revenues are recognized upon occurrence of the live race that is presented for wagering and after that live race is made official by the respective states' racing regulatory body. Additional non-wagering revenues such as admissions, programs and concession revenues are recognized as delivery of the product or services has occurred.

Greater than 70% of our annual revenues are generated by pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast racing content and in-home wagering. Live racing handle includes patron wagers made on live races at our live tracks and also wagers made on imported simulcast signals by patrons at our racetracks during our live meets. Import simulcasting handle includes wagers on imported signals at our racetracks when the respective tracks are not conducting live race meets and at our OTBs throughout the year. Export handle includes all patron wagers made on our live racing signals sent to other tracks, OTBs and in-home wagering. In-home wagering, or account wagering, consists of patron wagers through an advance deposit account.
 
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The Company retains as revenue a pre-determined percentage or commission on the total amount wagered, and the balance is distributed to the winning patrons. The gross percentages retained on live racing and import simulcasting at our various locations range from approximately 15% to 27%. In general, the fees earned from export simulcasting are contractually determined and average approximately 3.5%. All commissions and fees earned from pari-mutuel wagering are shared with horsemen through payment of purses based on local contracts and average approximately 50%.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for our properties:
 
In thousands, except per share data and live race days)  
Year ended December 31, 
   
05 vs. 04 Change 
 
04 vs. 03 Change 
   
2005
   
2004 
   
2003 
   
$ 
 
% 
 
$ 
   
%    
Total pari-mutuel handle
$
3,617,104
 
$
3,351,031
 
$
3,287,317
 
$
266,073
 
8
%
$
63,714
   
2
%
No. of live race days
 
587
   
542
   
525
   
45
 
8
%
 
17
   
3
%
                                         
Net pari-mutuel revenues
$
297,509
 
$
274,374
 
$
271,313
 
$
23,135
 
8
%
$
3,061
   
1
%
Other operating revenues
 
111,292
   
86,813
   
77,192
   
24,479
 
28
%
 
9,621
   
12
%
Total net revenues
$
408,801
 
$
361,187
 
$
348,505
 
$
47,614
 
13
%
$
12,682
   
4
%
                                         
Gross profit
$
66,572
 
$
66,768
 
$
67,434
 
$
(196
)
-
 
$
(666
)
 
(1
)%
                                         
Gross margin percentage
 
16
%
 
18
%
 
19
%
                     
                                         
Operating income
$
20,887
 
$
24,583
 
$
37,066
 
$
(3,696
)
(15
)%
$
(12,483
)
 
(34
)%
                                         
Net earnings from continuing operations
$
12,810
 
$
9,769
 
$
23,308
 
$
3,041
 
31
%
$
(13,539
)
 
(58
)%
Diluted net earnings from continuing operations per common share
$
0.96
 
$
0.73
 
$
1.74
                       
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Our total net revenues increased $47.6 million, reflecting a full year impact of the Louisiana Operations, which were acquired in October 2004. Additionally, the Kentucky Operations segment benefited from the opening of the newly renovated Churchill Downs racetrack facility, including increased attendance during the week of the Kentucky Derby. The increased revenues were partially offset by reduced revenues at Arlington Park as a result of fewer days that Arlington Park was appointed host track in Illinois during the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Further discussion of net revenue variances by our reported segments is detailed below.
 
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Significant items affecting comparability of operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share included:

·       
We recorded a $6.2 million asset impairment loss at Ellis Park during the third quarter of 2004 based on management's consideration of historical and forecasted operating results of the facility.
·       
Corporate expenses increased $7.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily as a result of increased costs associated with our initiative to attract and retain appropriate personnel to achieve our business objectives, including increased costs of $2.2 million associated with a supplemental benefit plan for the chief executive officer as a result of an amendment to an employment contract during 2005. Additionally, we incurred increased professional fees related to obtaining compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and increased costs associated with our customer relationship marketing initiative.
·       
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses of $2.2 million related to an estimate of insurance proceeds that management determined are probable of recovery in connection with damages sustained from Hurricane Katrina by the Louisiana Operations.
·       
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized an unrealized gain on derivative instruments of $0.8 million compared to losses of $4.3 million in the prior year, which were attributable to changes in the fair market value of embedded derivatives within a convertible promissory note issued during the fourth quarter of 2004.
·       
Our effective tax rate decreased from 57% in 2004 to 43% in 2005 resulting primarily from the unrealized gain on derivative instruments and the non-deductible portion of the asset impairment loss recognized during 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Our total net revenues increased $12.7 million primarily as a result of our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations. We acquired the Louisiana Operations in October 2004 providing 2 ½ months of revenues during the year ended December 31, 2004. Additionally, the Kentucky Operations segment benefited from incremental Jockey Club luxury suite sales for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks days during the second quarter. Further discussion of net revenue variances by our reported segments is detailed below.

Significant items affecting comparability of operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share included:

·       
We recorded a $6.2 million asset impairment loss at Ellis Park during the third quarter of 2004 based on management's consideration of the historical and forecasted operating results of the facility.
·       
We incurred $3.6 million of additional expenses related to alternative gaming legislative initiatives in Florida during 2004.
·       
Interest income decreased $0.9 million during 2004 compared to 2003 as a result of interest income related to a property tax refund in Illinois recognized during the third quarter of 2003.
·       
We recorded an unrealized loss on derivative instruments of $4.3 million related to changes in the fair market value of embedded derivatives within a convertible promissory note issued during the fourth quarter of 2004.
·       
Our effective tax rate rose from 39% in 2003 to 57% in 2004 resulting from the non-deductibility of the legislative initiative costs, a portion of the asset impairment loss and the unrealized loss on derivative instruments.
 
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Consolidated Expenses

The following table is a summary of our consolidated expenses:
                                     
(In thousands)  
Year ended December 31, 
   
05 vs. 04 Change 
   
04 vs. 03 Change 
 
   
2005 
   
2004 
   
2003 
   
$ 
 
%
 
$ 
% 
   
Purse expenses
 $
127,139
 
 $
114,164
 
 $
113,484
 
 $
12,975
 
11
$
680
1
%  
Depreciation/amortization
 
21,389
   
15,666
 
14,632
   
5,723
 
37
%
 
1,034
7
%  
 Other operating expenses  
193,701
   
164,589
   
152,955
   
29,112
 
18
%
 
11,634
8
%  
SG&A expenses
 
45,685
   
35,983
   
30,368
   
9,702
 
27
 
5,615
18
%  
Impairment losses
 
-
   
6,202
   
-
   
(6,202
)
(100
)% 
 
6,202
100
%  
Total
 $
387,914
 
 $
336,604
 
 $
311,439
 
 $
51,310
 
15
 $
25,165
8
%  
                                       
Percent of revenue
 
95
 
93
 
89
                   
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Total expenses increased 15% during 2005 primarily as a result of expenses related to the Louisiana Operations, which includes $15.2 million of increased purse expenses. Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses also increased by $7.6 million as more fully described below in the discussion of expense variances by segment. Depreciation expense and other operating expenses from the Kentucky Operations increased primarily due to the newly renovated Churchill Downs racetrack facility that was completed during the year ended December 31, 2005. These increased expenses were partially offset by reduced expenses as a result of the $6.2 million of impairment losses recognized at Ellis Park during the year ended December 31, 2004. We recognized a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses of $2.2 million related to an estimate of insurance proceeds that management determined are probable of recovery in connection with losses recognized from Hurricane Katrina by the Louisiana Operations. Purse expenses from Arlington Park and Ellis Park decreased as more fully described in the discussion of expense variance by segment. Further discussion of expense variances by our reported segments is detailed below.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Total expenses increased 8% during 2004 primarily as a result of the $6.2 million asset impairment loss at Ellis Park and the $3.6 million of additional expenses related to legislative costs for alternative gaming (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) as mentioned above. Additionally, expenses increased $13.7 million as a result of our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations during the fourth quarter of 2004. Further discussion of expense variances by our reported segments is detailed below.
 
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Other Income (Expense) and Provision for Income Taxes

The following table is a summary of our other income (expense) and provision for income taxes:

(In thousands)  
Year ended December 31,
   
05 vs. 04 Change 
   
04 vs. 03 Change 
 
 
 
2005 
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
$
  %     
$ 
  %   
Interest income
 $
622
 
 $
413
   $
1,297
   $
209
 
51
%
 $
(884
)
(68
)%
Interest expense
 
(1,576
)
 
(1,003
)
 
(916
)
 
(573
)
(57
)%
 
(87
)
(9
)%
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
 
818
 
(4,254
)
 
-
   
5,072
 
119
%
 
(4,254
)
(100
)%
Miscellaneous, net
 
1,910
   
2,737
   
1,028
   
(827
)
(30
)%
 
1,709
 
166
%
Other income (expense)
 $
1,774
   $
(2,107
)
 $
1,409
   $
3,881
 
184
%
 $
(3,516
)
(250
)%
                                       
Provision for income taxes
 $
(9,851
)
 $
(12,707
)
 $
(15,167
)
 $
2,856
 
22
%
 $
2,460
 
16
%
                                       
Effective tax rate
 
43
%
 
57
%
 
39
%
                   
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Significant items affecting the comparability of other income and expense and provision for income taxes include:

·       
Interest expense increased during 2005 primarily due to additional borrowings for the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations combined with a rising interest rate environment offset partially by a reduction of interest expense during the fourth quarter of 2005 resulting from lower debt balances due to the pay-off of debt in conjunction with the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.
·       
We recognized an unrealized gain on derivative instruments of $0.8 million in 2005 compared to losses of $4.3 million in the prior year, which was attributable to changes in the fair market value of embedded derivatives within a convertible promissory note issued during the fourth quarter of 2004.
·       
Miscellaneous income decreased during 2005 as a result of a $1.6 million gain realized on the sale of 19% of our interest in Kentucky Downs during the fourth quarter of 2004, which was partially offset by increased minority interest income related to the investment in Hoosier Park.
·       
Our effective tax rate decreased from 57% in 2004 to 43% in 2005 resulting from the non-taxable unrealized gain on derivative instruments and the non-deductible portion of the asset impairment loss recognized during 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Significant items affecting the comparability of other income and expense and provision for income taxes include:

·       
Interest income decreased $0.9 million during 2004 compared to 2003 as a result of interest income related to a property tax refund in Illinois recognized during the third quarter of 2003.
·       
We recognized an unrealized loss on derivative instruments of $4.3 million related to changes in the fair market value of embedded derivatives within a convertible promissory note issued during the fourth quarter of 2004.
·       
Miscellaneous income increased during 2004 as a result of a $1.6 million gain realized on the sale of 19% of our interest in Kentucky Downs during the fourth quarter of 2004.
·       
Our effective tax rate increased from 39% in 2003 to 57% in 2004 resulting from the non-deductibility of the legislative initiative costs, a portion of the asset impairment loss and the unrealized loss on derivative instruments.
 
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Net Revenues By Segment

The following table presents net revenues, including intercompany revenues, by our reported segments:
 
 (In thousands)  
Year ended December 31
 
05 vs. 04 Change
 
04 vs. 03 Change
 
 
 
2005
 
 
2004 
 
 
2003 
 
 
$
 
%
   
$
 
% 
 
Kentucky Operations
 $
119,642
   $
112,710
   $
110,845
   $
6,932
 
6
%
 $
1,865
 
2
%
Arlington Park
 
84,188
   
87,951
   
87,012
   
(3,76
)
(4
)%
 
939
 
1
%
Calder Race Course
 
92,736
   
92,111
   
91,753
   
625
 
1
%
 
358
 
-
 
Hoosier Park
 
40,869
   
41,649
   
43,011
   
(780
)
(2
)%
 
(1,362
)
(3
)%
Louisiana Operations
 
55,564
   
13,237
   
-
   
42,327
 
320
%
 
13,237
 
100
%
CDSN
 
67,272
   
60,121
   
60,721
   
7,151
 
12
%
 
(600
)
(1
)%
Total racing operations
 
460,271
   
407,779
   
393,342
   
52,492
 
13
%
 
14,437
 
4
%
Other investments
 
2,954
 
3,040
   
5,060
   
(86
)
(3
)%
 
(2,020
)
(40
)%
Corporate revenues
 
702
   
21
   
28
   
681
 
3,243
%
 
(7
)
(25
)%
Eliminations
 
(55,126
)
 
(49,653
)
 
(49,925
)
 
(5,473
)
(11
)%
 
272
 
1
%
   $
408,801
   $
361,187
   $
348,505
   $
47,614
 
13
%
 $
12,682
 
4
%
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Significant items affecting comparability of our revenues by segment include:

·      
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we completed our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations, which contributed $42.3 million to the overall increase in revenues. Additionally, CDSN revenues and eliminations increased primarily as a result of the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations.
·       
Net revenues from the Kentucky Operations increased as we realized benefits from the opening of the newly renovated Churchill Downs racetrack facility, including increased attendance during the week of the Kentucky Derby, which was partially offset by lower revenues at Ellis Park primarily due to 13 fewer days of live racing during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to 2004.
·       
During January and February, when there is no live racing in Illinois, the IRB designates a Thoroughbred racetrack as the host track in Illinois The IRB appointed Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois for 29 days during January 2005 compared to 52 days during portions of January and February of 2004, which resulted in reduced revenues of $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Significant items affecting comparability of our revenues by segment include:

·       
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we completed our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations which contributed $13.2 million to the overall increase in revenues.
·      
Our Kentucky Operations revenues increased primarily due to incremental Jockey Club luxury suite sales for Kentucky Derby and Oaks days as well as a decision to run a six-day per week live meet at Ellis Park compared to a five-day per week live meet during 2003. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in pari-mutuel revenues attributable to inclement weather and reduced attendance resulting from the impact of the Churchill Downs racetrack facility renovation project, referred to as the "Master Plan."
 
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·      
During January and February when there is no live racing in Illinois, the IRB designates a Thoroughbred racetrack as the host track in Illinois. The IRB appointed Arlington Park as the host track in Illinois for 52 days during portions of January and February 2004 compared to 30 days during January 2003. Additionally, Arlington Park pari-mutuel revenues improved in 2004 as a result of the 2003 Illinois horsemen's strike, which negatively affected wagering prior to the strike being resolved in April 2003. Offsetting some of the revenue increases, pari-mutuel revenue decreased due to eight fewer days of live racing during 2004 compared to 2003.
·       
Hoosier Park revenues decreased primarily as a result of a $0.8 million decrease in riverboat admission subsidies stemming from the change in allocation after a new track was built in Indiana. The subsidy is now allocated evenly between Hoosier Park and the new track. Additionally, the decrease resulted from an overall decrease in pari-mutuel business levels.
·       
Other investments decreased during 2004 primarily as a result of a reduced number of service contracts held by Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions upon purchasing the remaining 40% minority interest in Charlson Broadcast Technologies LLC in December 2003.

Expenses by Segment

The following table presents total expenses, including intercompany expenses, by our reported segments:

 (In thousands)
Year ended December 31 
 
05 vs. 04 Change 
 
04 vs. 03 Change 
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
$
 
% 
 
$
 
% 
 
Kentucky Operations
$108,328
$107,919
 
$99,141
 
$409
 
-
 
$8,778
 
9
%
Arlington Park
84,222
 
81,887
 
82,254
 
2,335
 
3
%
(367
)
-
 
Calder Race Course
88,033
 
88,509
 
82,133
 
(476
)
(1
)%
6,376
 
8
%
Hoosier Park
42,062
 
41,268
 
42,138
 
794
 
2
%
(870
)
(2
)%
Louisiana Operations
61,438
 
13,749
 
-
 
47,689
 
347
%
13,749
 
100
%
CDSN
50,863
 
46,230
 
46,464
 
4,633
 
10
%
(234
)
(1
)%
Total racing operations
434,946
 
379,562
 
352,130
 
55,384
 
15
%
27,432
 
8
%
Other investments
2,712
 
2,864
 
5,645
 
(152
)
(5
)%
(2,781
)
(49
)%
Corporate expenses
18,045
 
10,439
 
8,596
 
7,606
 
73
%
1,843
 
21
%
Eliminations
(67,789
)
(56,261
)
(54,932
)
(11,528
)
(20
)%
(1,329
)
(2
)%
 
$387,914
 
$336,604
 
$311,439
 
$51,310
 
15
%
$25,165
 
8
%
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Significant items affecting comparability of our expenses by segment include:

·       
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we completed our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations, which resulted in a $47.7 million increase in expenses. CDSN expenses and eliminations also increased primarily as a result of the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations.
·       
Corporate expenses increased primarily as a result of increased costs associated with our initiative to attract and retain appropriate personnel to achieve our business objectives, including increased costs of $2.2 million associated with a supplemental benefit plan for the chief executive officer as a result of an amendment to an employment contract during 2005. Additionally, we incurred increased professional fees related to obtaining compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and increased costs associated with our customer relationship marketing initiative.
·       
Arlington Park expense increased primarily as a result of increased costs associated with our initiative to attract and retain appropriate personnel to achieve our business objectives, which includes expenses of $0.4 million associated with the retirement of the racetrack president during 2005, lower purse overpayment recoveries, higher insurance and utility costs and increased costs associated with the customer relationship management initiative, which was partially offset by decreased purse expense as a result of fewer days that Arlington Park was appointed the host track in Illinois.
·       
Expenses from the Kentucky Operations increased primarily as a result of additional depreciation expenses of $3.2 million, as well as increased operating expense due to the completion of the Churchill Downs racetrack facility renovation project during the second quarter of 2005, which was mostly offset by impairment losses of $6.2 million recognized at Ellis Park during the year ended December 31, 2004. Also, Ellis Park purse expenses decreased primarily as a function of lower pari-mutuel revenues primarily due to 13 fewer days of live racing.
 
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Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Significant items affecting comparability of our expenses by segment include:

·       
During the fourth quarter of 2004, we completed our acquisition of the Louisiana Operations, which contributed $13.7 million to the overall increase in expenses.
·       
Kentucky Operations expenses increased primarily as a result of the $6.2 million asset impairment charges at Ellis Park during the third quarter of 2004 based on management's consideration of historical and forecasted operating results of the facility. The increase was also due to temporary facilities expenses associated with our infield hospitality tent to accommodate patrons during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby days as well as increased expenses associated with our Personal Seats Licensing ("PSL") program.
·       
Calder Race Course expenses increased partially as a result of $3.6 million incurred in Florida related to the slot initiative.
·       
Other investment expenses decreased consistent with the decrease in revenues as noted above.

Discontinued Operations

The following table presents earnings (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 (In thousands)  
Year ended December 31  
   
05 vs. 04 Change
   
04 vs. 03 Change
 
   
2005
   
2004
   
2003
   
$
 
%
   
$
 
%
 
Net revenues
 $
70,080
   $
101,328
  $ 
95,551
   $
(31,248
)
(31
)%
 $
5,777
 
6
%
Operating expenses
 
62,891
   
88,645
   
85,835
   
(25,754
)
(29
)%
 
2,810
 
3
%
Gross profit
 
7,189
   
12,683
   
9,716
   
(5,494
)
(43
)%
 
2,967
 
31
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
3,261
   
6,592
   
3,723
   
(3,331
)
(51
)%
 
2,869
 
77
%
Operating income
 
3,928
   
6,091
   
5,993
   
(2,163
)
(36
)%
 
98
 
2
%
Other income (expense):
                       
 
           
Interest income
 
20
   
22
   
19
   
(2
)
(9
)%
 
3
 
16
%
Interest expense
 
(8,806
)
 
(5,687
)
 
(5,305
)
 
(3,119
)
(55
)%
 
(382
)
(7
)%
Miscellaneous, net
 
3
   
3
   
-
   
-
 
-
   
3
 
100
%
Other income (expense)
 
(8,783
)
 
(5,662
)
 
(5,286
)
 
(3,121
)
(55
)%
 
(376
)
(7
)%
(Loss) earnings before provision for income taxes
 
(4,855
)
 
429
   
707
   
(5,284
)
(1,232
)%
 
(278
)
(39
)%
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
1,057
   
(1,283
)
 
(636
)
 
2,340
 
182
%
 
(647
)
(102
)%
(Loss) earnings from operations
 
(3,798
)
 
(854
)
 
71
   
(2,944
)
(345
)%
 
(925
)
(1,303
)%
Gain on sale of assets, net of income taxes
 
69,896
   
-
   
-
   
69,896
 
100
%
 
-
 
-
 
Net earnings (loss)
 $
66,098
   $
(854
)
 $
71
   $
66,952
 
7,840
%
 $
(925
)
(1,303
)%
 
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Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Significant items affecting comparability of earnings (loss) from discontinued operations include:

·       
Net revenues, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses are lower as a result of the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park during the third quarter of 2005.
·       
We used proceeds from the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park to pay off the debt balances under the revolving loan facility and the variable rate senior notes. As such, all interest expenses related to these facilities has been allocated to discontinued operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Interest expense increased as a result of additional borrowings for the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations, as well as a higher interest rate environment.
·       
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized a gain of $69.9 million, net of income taxes, on the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

The following table is a summary of our overall financial position as of December 31, 2005 and 2004: 
 
 (In thousands)
 Year ended December 31,
 
 05 vs. 04 Change
 
 2005
 
 2004
 
 $
 %
Total assets
$514,542
 
$642,277
 
$(127,735)
(20)%
Total liabilities
$198,311
 
$403,849
 
$(205,538)
(51)%
Total shareholders' equity
$316,231
 
$238,428
 
  $77,803
33% 
 
 
 

 
·       
Total assets decreased during 2005 primarily due to the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park, which was partially offset by increased plant and equipment, primarily attributable to additions related to the Master Plan at Churchill Downs.
·       
Total liabilities decreased during 2005 primarily as a result of the pay-off of long-term debt in conjunction with the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.

  Liquidity and Capital Resources

  The following table is a summary of our liquidity and capital resources:
 
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 
  05 vs. 04 Change     05 vs. 04 Change   
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
$       
  %   
 $       
   %  
Operating activities
$(1,325
)
$48,386
 
$47,040
 
$(49,711
)
(103
)%
$1,346
 
3
%
Investing activities
$205,023
 
$(135,781
)
$(41,749
)
$340,804
 
251
%
$(94,032
)
(225
)%
Financing activities
$(208,655
)
$98,649
 
$(3,513
)
$(307,304
)
(312
)%
$102,162
 
2,908
%
 
·       
Cash flows from operating activities during 2005 decreased significantly compared to 2004 primarily as a result of the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.
·       
Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2004 increased primarily due to advance payments made relative to the PSL program and luxury suite sales, which was mostly offset by a decrease in earnings.

·       
Cash flows from investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 primarily as a result of proceeds received on the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.
·       
Cash flows from investing activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2004 primarily as a result of capital expenditures related to the Master Plan, as well as the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations during the fourth quarter of 2004.

·       
Cash flows from financing activities during 2005 decreased primarily as a result of the pay-off of long-term debt in conjunction with the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park.
·       
During 2004, we increased our borrowings on our revolving line of credit to fund the acquisition of the Louisiana Operations, as well as to fund our Master Plan.
 
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Credit Facilities and Indebtedness

On September 23, 2005, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Agreement"). The Guarantors under the Agreement are a majority of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Agreement amends, supersedes and restates in its entirety a previous credit agreement dated as of April 3, 2003. The Agreement provides for a maximum borrowing of $200.0 million (including a letter of credit sub-facility not to exceed $25.0 million and a swing line commitment up to a maximum principal amount of $15.0 million). The facility terminates on September 23, 2010. Subject to certain conditions, we may at any time increase the aggregate commitment up to an amount not to exceed $250.0 million.

Generally, borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement will bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate per annum plus an applicable percentage ranging from 0.75% to 1.50% depending on certain of our financial ratios. In addition, under the Agreement, we agreed to pay a commitment fee at rates that range from 0.15% to 0.375% of the available aggregate commitment, depending on our leverage ratio.

The Agreement contains customary financial and other covenant requirements, including specific interest coverage and leverage ratios, as well as minimum levels of net worth.

We used a portion of the net cash proceeds of $248.3 million from the sale of the assets of Hollywood Park to pay off outstanding principal and interest of approximately $229.0 million under our revolving loan facility and the Floating Rate Senior Secured Notes due March 31, 2010 (the "Senior Notes"). The remaining cash proceeds were used to pay income taxes generated by the gain on the sale of assets during the fourth quarter. We also terminated our interest rate swap contracts resulting in a net gain on termination of approximately $981.5 thousand. Management believes that cash flows from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements for the year.

Our principal commitments to make future payments consist of repayments of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and obligations under operating lease agreements. Our contractual obligations at December 31, 2005 are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):

Contractual Obligation
 
     
Less Than
1 Year 
   
1-3
Years 
   
4-5
Years 
   
After
5 Years 
   
Total
 
 
Long-term debt
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
15,602
 
$
18,191
 
$
33,793
 
Interest expense
   
1,530
   
3,060
   
2,855
   
2,568
   
10,013
 
Operating leases
   
3,353
   
4,286
   
3,182
   
654
   
11,475
 
Total
 
$
4,883
 
$
7,346
 
$
21,639
 
$
21,413
 
$
55,281
 

 
39
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)") to replace SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS No. 123(R) requires, among other things, that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, be measured based on their grant-date fair value and recognized as expense in the consolidated financial statements effective for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Unless observable market prices exist, the grant-date fair value is estimated using an appropriate option-pricing model as determined by management. Management must also make certain assumptions about employee exercise habits, forfeiture rates and select an appropriate amortization methodology for recognizing compensation expense. SFAS No. 123(R) permits a modified prospective method of adoption. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), compensation expense will be recorded in the consolidated financial statements for 1) all awards granted after January 1, 2006 and the 2) future vesting of awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006. Companies may also elect to restate their previously issued consolidated financial statements to provide consistency across all periods presented under a modified retrospective method. During the fourth quarter of 2004, we terminated our stock option plans and adopted a restricted stock plan. Except for grants made in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, no stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and we have no current intentions of granting stock options during the year ended December 31, 2006. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we will be required to begin expensing all unvested stock options over their remaining vesting periods. See Note 1 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details related to pro forma stock-based compensation expense. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) will not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and earnings per share.

ITEM 7A.

At December 31, 2005, we had $15.6 million of total debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility, which bears interest at LIBOR based variable rates. We are exposed to market risk on variable rate debt due to potential adverse changes in the LIBOR rate. Assuming the outstanding balance on the debt facilities remains constant, a one-percentage point increase or decrease in the LIBOR rate would increase or decrease annual pre-tax earnings, recorded fair value and cash flows by $0.2 million.

ITEM 8.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Churchill Downs Incorporated:

We have completed integrated audits of Churchill Downs Incorporated’s 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, and an audit of its 2003 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions based on our audits, are presented below.
 
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Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of net earnings and comprehensive earnings, of shareholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Churchill Downs Incorporated and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2)  presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
March 13, 2006
 
42

 
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CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(in thousands)

   
2005
 
2004
 
ASSETS
         
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
22,737
 
$
24,950
 
Restricted cash
   
4,946
   
7,267
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $786 in 2005 and $881 in 2004
   
42,823
   
45,568
 
Deferred income taxes
   
3,949
   
3,940
 
Other current assets
   
8,879
   
3,809
 
Assets held for sale
   
-
   
142,445
 
Total current assets
   
83,334
   
227,979
 
               
Other assets
   
13,020
   
16,883
 
Plant and equipment, net
   
346,530
   
324,738
 
Goodwill
   
53,528
   
53,528
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
18,130
   
19,149
 
Total assets
 
$
514,542
 
$
642,277
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
27,957
 
$
22,827
 
Purses payable
   
14,564
   
16,629
 
Accrued expenses
   
44,003
   
31,911
 
Dividends payable
   
6,520
   
6,430
 
Deferred revenue
   
26,219
   
25,880
 
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
   
-
   
9,221
 
Total current liabilities
   
119,263
   
112,898
 
               
Long-term debt
   
33,793
   
242,770
 
Other liabilities
   
20,971
   
20,424
 
Deferred revenue
   
18,614
   
19,071
 
Deferred income taxes
   
5,670
   
8,686
 
Total liabilities
   
198,311
   
403,849
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
             
Shareholders' equity:
             
Preferred stock, no par value; 250 shares authorized; no shares issued
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares; issued: 13,132 shares and 12,904 shares in 2005 and 2004, respectively
   
121,270
   
114,930
 
Retained earnings
   
198,001
   
125,613
 
Unearned compensation
   
(3,040
)
 
(1,935
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
-
   
(180
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
316,231
   
238,428
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
514,542
 
$
642,277
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
43 

 
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CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
Net revenues:
                   
Net pari-mutuel wagering
 
$
297,509
 
$
274,374
 
$
271,313
 
Non-wagering
   
111,292
   
86,813
   
77,192
 
     
408,801
   
361,187
   
348,505
 
Operating expenses:
                   
Purses
   
127,139
   
114,164
   
113,484
 
Other direct expenses
   
215,090
   
180,255
   
167,587
 
     
342,229
   
294,419
   
281,071
 
Gross profit
   
66,572
   
66,768
   
67,434
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
45,685
   
35,983
   
30,368
 
Asset impairment loss
   
-
   
6,202
   
-
 
Operating income
   
20,887
   
24,583
   
37,066
 
Other income (expense):
                   
Interest income
   
622
   
413
   
1,297
 
Interest expense
   
(1,576
)
 
(1,003
)
 
(916
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
   
818
   
(4,254
)
 
-
 
Miscellaneous, net
   
1,910
   
2,737
   
1,028
 
     
1,774
   
(2,107
)
 
1,409
 
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
   
22,661
   
22,476
   
38,475
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(9,851
)
 
(12,707
)
 
(15,167
)
Net earnings from continuing operations
   
12,810
   
9,769
   
23,308
 
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes:
                   
(Loss) earnings from operations
   
(3,798
)
 
(854
)
 
71
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
69,896
   
-
   
-
 
Net earnings
   
78,908
   
8,915
   
23,379
 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax:
                   
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges