Churchill Downs Inc. announced Monday it will install permanent lights at
Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1). This
decision follows careful review of the Churchill Downs’ spring meet night racing
experiment.
Churchill Downs held its first-ever night racing events on June 19, June 26
and July 2. The average attendance each of the three nights was 29,705 with
33,481 in attendance the final evening, bringing the total attendance for the
three nights of racing to 89,115.
“We found our racing fans loved the experience and Churchill Downs is trying
new ideas to bring different types of fans to our iconic track, home of the
Kentucky Derby,” said Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs’ track president. “The
Company plans to invest in racing’s future despite the troubled economy and
reduced handle throughout the industry.”
Churchill Downs will be soliciting bids from a range of lighting contractors
and anticipates installation to be complete in time for the 2010 spring meet.
Flanery indicated Churchill Downs will poll fans and horsemen to assist in
determining the optimum mix of day and night racing.