Anticipation high for rich Kentucky Downs meet

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Downs will begin its annual five-day meet a week from Saturday on Sept. 5, with purses and anticipation higher than ever.

“We’re getting calls from all over the place,” said Randy Wehrman, stakes coordinator at the Franklin, Ky., turf-only track. “They can’t believe the money being given away.”

Aside from a stakes schedule worth as much as $3.6 million, the condition book includes allowances worth up to $135,000 and maiden races of $120,000, although full purse apportionments are paid only to horses eligible to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

The meet runs Sept. 5, 10, 12, 16, and 19, and conflicts with afternoon programs at Ellis on Sept. 5 and Churchill on Sept. 12. The lone Downs after Dark card at the 11-day Churchill meet (Sept. 11-27) is set for Sept. 19.