Track will still be open for simulcast wagering
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2014) — Cold weather has forced Churchill Downs to cancel its live racing program scheduled for Wednesday.
As a result of the frigid blast, the main track is frozen, causing training on Tuesday to be cancelled. With temperatures forecast to remain cold today and tonight, track officials have determined that track conditions will not improve significantly before racing on Wednesday.
Ten races had been scheduled on Wednesday and post time for the first race was scheduled for 12:40 p.m.
Temperatures are forecast to climb above freezing Wednesday afternoon and track maintenance crews will be working around the clock from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning to get the track in suitable condition for the racing program scheduled for Thursday.
“Our top priority on any day at Churchill Downs is the health and safety of the human and equine participants in our sport, and current conditions and our short-term forecast have convinced us that it is in the best interests of all participants that we cancel the live racing program scheduled for Wednesday,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs. “We’re dealing with unusual weather conditions and the combination of moisture in our track with the rapid drop in temperatures and wind chill readings have resulted in a track surface that is unsafe for horses and humans, and there appears to be little chance of significant improvement until well into the day on Wednesday. Our track team has been and will continue to work on the surface to ensure it will be ready for racing on Thursday.”
The last time a Fall Meet race day at Churchill Downs was cancelled due to a wintry mix was Nov. 13, 1986.
While there is no live racing at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, simulcast wagering on other tracks around North America will be available at Trackside at Churchill Downs. Admission will be free Wednesday and admission gates will open at 11:30 a.m.
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