Director
Boone County
Robert N. Elliston has been President & CEO of Turfway Park since June 1999. An avid horse racing enthusiast his entire adult life, Elliston was put in charge of Turfway’s operations shortly after the track was purchased by a partnership consisting of Keeneland Association, and Harrah’s Entertainment.
Prior to coming to Turfway Park, Elliston was Vice President of Commercial Lending for US Bank, N.A. for seven years. Elliston continues a relationship with US Bank, serving on their Northern Kentucky Advisory Board of Directors. Additionally, Elliston worked for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in Frankfort, Kentucky from 1986-1992, where he served as the Vice President of Economic & Community Development, representing the Chamber before the Kentucky General Assembly and the United States Congress.
Elliston is very active in the Northern Kentucky community formerly serving as the 35th Chairman of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chairman of the Board of SD1. Additionally, Elliston is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the Tri-County Economic Development Board of Directors.
Elliston is active within the horse racing industry having been elected as the Executive Chairman of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Board of Directors, and Treasurer of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Board in 2004, as well as continuing to serve on the Boards of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, and the University of Louisville Equine Program Advisory Board. In 2002, Elliston was awarded the Kentucky HBPA’s “Man of the Year” distinction, and in 2003, received the Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s “Presidential” award for distinguished service to the horse industry.
Bob, his wife Sharon, a Northern Kentucky attorney, and their two daughters, Abby and Haley, reside in Florence, Kentucky.