CORBIN, KY—DECEMBER 20, 2017—According to an article published today on thenewsjournal.net site work has begun on 145 acres that will be the home of Keeneland’s $50 million quarter horse racing track and “historical wagering” gambling parlor in Corbin, Kentucky.

Heavy equipment was on the site earlier this week clearing trees and moving dirt. No timetable for construction has been announced.

Following the close of the property sale last month, Vince Gabbert, vice president and chief operating officer of Keeneland, said it was a matter of waiting for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to take action on the application for a racing license for the facility.

Officials with the racing commission released a statement in September stating that the members had no plans to consider any new applications for racing licenses. According to minutes of a regular session of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission earlier this month the licenses were not discussed. The next regular scheduled commission meeting is February 20.

Seven facilities are currently licensed in Kentucky, however there are two outstanding licenses. Churchill Downs has partnered with Keeneland in an endeavor that calls for the construction of the Corbin facility named Cumberland Run as well as a second facility in southwestern Kentucky.

The proposed project includes a 1,723-foot straight racing track, along with barn facilities, an entertainment center and grandstand. The facility would also house 250 "historical" racing machines.

In addition, the property has additional parcels for commercial development and property allocated for a hotel/motel facility.

According to previously released information the racetrack would host 10 to 12 live racing days in the summer.