Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs: Racing delayed, infield evacuated in advance of powerful storm
Justin N. Lane For the second time in a week, a powerful storm forced Churchill Downs to delay its races on Friday.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Racing was delayed at Churchill Downs on Friday afternoon, and the infield ordered evacuated, as a storm said to be packing high winds, hail, and lightning bore down on this city. But most of the storm tracked south of the track, and racing was scheduled to resume after a 45-minute delay.
A similar storm blew through last Saturday night, causing a 45-minute delay in racing on opening night.
Horses for the day's 10th race, the American Turf, were returned to their barns to ride out the storm. Post time for that race, originally, 4:44 p.m., and was re-scheduled for 5:30.
The Kentucky Oaks was rescheduled for 6:20 p.m.