Tornado claims three horses
Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, sustained a direct hit from the tornado
that roared through portions of Western Kentucky and Southwest Indiana early
Sunday morning, resulting in three horses fatalities as of Monday. Two other
horses suffered serious injuries which aren’t considered life threatening. An
estimated 150 to 160 horses were stabled at Ellis Park when the tornado hit.
Officials from Ellis Park and Churchill Downs were on the grounds Monday to
assess the damage. The track’s grandstand terrace, adjacent to its historic
grandstand structure, sustained heavy damage, as did the paddock, jockeys’
quarters and infield tote board. The tornado destroyed approximately 10 barns in
the Ellis Park stable area and caused light to moderate damage to several
others.
“Our teams continue to assess the damage caused to Ellis Park by the tornado
and insurance adjusters are on hand today to begin their job of assessing and
recording the damage,” Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton said Monday. “It’s
a big job given the scope of damage. We remain thankful that there were no major
injuries among people working at the track and that the toll on the equine
population has remained low.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families throughout the Tri-State
region who are suffering through the loss of their loved ones, homes and
possessions in this storm.”
Two of the three horses fatally injured in the storm were owned and trained
by Burl McBride. McBride also trained the two Thoroughbreds now being treated
for serious injuries.
The third horse lost was owned by Fred Nelson and trained by his wife, Mary.
Arrangements were being made to move horses from stables affected by the
storm. Keeneland has offered the use of stalls at The Thoroughbred Center near
Lexington, Kentucky, to Ellis Park horsemen who will be displaced.