Churchill Downs has announced the hiring of Tim Bryant as president and general manager of Derby City Gaming, the $60 million state-of-the-art historical racing machine (“HRM”) facility opening in Louisville this fall.
Located at 4520 Poplar Level Rd., Derby City Gaming will be a first-of-its-kind entertainment destination for locals and visitors alike. Bryant will assume his new role May 14.

“Churchill Downs continues to bring new life and innovation to Kentucky’s signature horse racing industry through initiatives like Derby City Gaming, and I’m honored to reunite with such an accomplished team and the City of Louisville,” said Bryant. “Historical racing is critical to continued, long-term growth for our industry and keeping the Kentucky racing circuit competitive with other states.”

Bryant rejoins Churchill Downs after spending the last 15 months as chief operating officer of a Northern California casino. He previously held the title of president and general manager at Churchill Downs Incorporated’s Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots in New Orleans from May 2010 through January 2017.

“While Churchill Downs is known around the world, we are committed to the City of Louisville and the community we call home,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Strengthening the horse racing industry starts here in Kentucky, and we’re excited to have Tim Bryant back on board to help us lead the charge.”

Churchill Downs broke ground on Derby City Gaming in December, and construction has been moving full steam ahead. Earlier this week, Churchill Downs executive leadership and members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission gathered for a “topping-off” ceremony as the final beam was placed on the 85,000-square-foot facility.

Derby City Gaming president and general manager Tim Bryant signs the final beam before it is hoisted into place.

In the coming months, Derby City Gaming will create an estimated 150 full- and part-time jobs to operate and manage the facility. Churchill Downs will hire both hourly and salaried employees in areas including operations, marketing, finance, food and beverage, maintenance, information technology, human resources, security and administration. Job fairs will be announced this summer.

Derby City Gaming will open with cutting-edge historical racing machines, a simulcast wagering area and a player’s club reward center offering special perks and benefits, including an exclusive parking area for VIP players. The facility will also include two quick-service, walk-up food venues and a bar with seating for 50 and large format televisions for guests to take in all the best sporting action year-round.