LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Churchill Downs officials broke ground Wednesday on a $60 million historical racing machine (HRM) facility on Poplar Level Road.

The 85,000 sq. ft. facility will be called “Derby City Gaming.” It’s expected to open in the fall of 2018 at 4520 Poplar Level Road, which is the site of Churchill Downs’ Trackside location and the former home of Louisville Downs.

In a news release, Churchill Downs Racetrack president Kevin Flanery said the new facility “pays homage to the place we call home.”

Historical racing, also called “instant” racing, allows gamblers to bet on races that have already run. Players must bet on the old matchups without knowing anything about the race before wagering.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission granted approval for the facility earlier this year.

The new facility is expected to create more than 200 full and part time jobs.

Horse trainer Dale Romans says the facility will pump more money into the industry.

“A win for horse racing is a win for all of Kentucky,” Romans said.

Derby City Gaming will be the only facility of its kind in Louisville, with two quick-service, walk-up food venues, as well as a bar with seating for 50 and big screen TVs.

The gaming area will feature 600 historical racing machines, a simulcast wagering area and a player’s club reward center.

Related:

• Commission grants preliminary approval for Churchill Downs to offer historical horse race wagering in 1 year
• Churchill Downs, Keeneland partnering to build 2 new racetracks in Kentucky
• Kentucky Downs makes over half-million dollars on instant racing