Churchill Downs pushes back opening of backstretch until April 14

Churchill Downs has delayed the opening of its stable area until April 14, the track announced on Tuesday, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Churchill Downs had been scheduled to open its stable area last week, but the track put that date off indefinitely. The decision to delay the opening until April 14 comes as more and more states issue “stay at home” mandates, which would greatly complicate the movement of horses across state lines.

“We understand how trying the impact of this decision is on our horsemen, but we will continue to work tirelessly with public health experts toward a satisfactory resolution so our horsemen and their horses can return home safely as soon as possible,” said Kevin Flanery, the president of the track, in a statement.

Like Keeneland – which canceled its spring meet this year because of the virus – Churchill attracts horses and trainers from states throughout the U.S. The track has already rescheduled its Kentucky Derby until Sept. 5, and it has not yet announced plans for its upcoming spring meet, which is set to start on April 25.