Storm damages barns, backstretch area at Churchill Downs; racing canceled

Trainer Steve Margolis’ barn was heavily damaged (Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs)

Churchill Downs Racetrack will be closed for live racing,
training and simulcast-wagering operations on
Thursday following severe storms that damaged nine barns in the
historic venue’s barnyard, along with a number of stable area structures,
including some living accommodations for backstretch workers. No injuries to
workers or horses on site were reported.

Nine barns suffered significant damage as a result of the storm,
which reportedly produced tornados in the Metro Louisville, Kentucky, area.
Churchill Downs officials — in conjunction with Churchill Downs horsemen and
Louisville-area emergency responders — have arranged for the possible
evacuation of approximately 150 horses to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition
Center, located on Crittenden Drive, in close proximity to the racetrack.

A backstretch worker walks past Jinks Fires’ barn (Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs)

“We want to credit the fast response and cool heads of the
emergency responders from the Louisville Fire Department, Louisville Metro
Police Department, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and our Churchill Downs
personnel on site for helping us quickly see to the needs of our horsemen and
their livestock and the stable-area workers who required assistance,” Churchill
Downs President Kevin Flanery said. “It was an amazing team effort under very
difficult circumstances, including the continued threat of severe weather in the
Louisville region. We are extremely grateful to these individuals for truly
helping us weather the storm.”

Flanery added that the management team is still assessing damage
to the entire Churchill Downs facility and will provide updates as soon as
possible regarding the track’s racing schedule for the remainder of the week,
including the scheduled Downs After Dark program set for Friday.