Churchill faces competition from Kentucky Downs

Churchill Downs opens its 11-day September meet Friday with an afternoon card and the likelihood of entries being considerably lighter than at Kentucky Downs, where purses are far higher.

Last September, field size at Churchill averaged 7.7 horses per race (versus 10.1 for Kentucky Downs). Turf racing will be limited at Churchill in deference not only to horsemen’s preferences for Kentucky Downs but also to preserve the course for the fall meet.

Four stakes are scheduled for this Saturday at each track, with Churchill offering the first points races toward the 2016 Kentucky Derby and Oaks with the Iroquois and Pocahontas, respectively. The programs will overlap, with Churchill starting at 12:45 p.m. Eastern and Kentucky Downs nearly two hours later, at 1:35 Central.

Churchill will have just one night card (Sept. 19) during a meet that runs through Sept. 27.

◗ Ellis Park closed its 31-day meet Monday with Didiel Osorio winning his first-ever riding title with 25 winners. Brad Cox finished with 11 wins as leading trainer.