Churchill to install new turf course after 2021 spring meet

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs officials on Monday announced plans for a new $10 million turf course at its flagship track, with construction scheduled to begin when the 2021 spring meet ends in late June.

Citing deteriorating conditions of a turf course first installed in 1987, Churchill has canceled turf racing for the balance of the current fall meet, with the last turf race having been held Nov. 12. The new course will “widen the running surface and increase the durability to allow increased turf racing throughout the year,” according to a press release.

The new course will be ready for use no later than the 2022 spring meet, although it could be used at the 2021 fall meet “if growing conditions are favorable enough,” according to the release. There will be no stabling at Churchill in July and August because of the project, and no turf racing during the September meet.

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The course will be expanded about five feet from its current 80-foot width and will employ a state-of-the-art irrigation and draining system. STRI Group, based in the United Kingdom, provided the new course design.

In 2019, there were 169 scheduled turf races at Churchill, with 43 of those moved to the main track because of suboptimal conditions. The turf has been an object of concern since the 2018 Breeders’ Cup was run over a course that came under criticism from some horsemen.