Churchill turf course construction on schedule

The $10 million renovation of the Churchill Downs turf course is progressing on schedule. Drainage and foundation work is complete on the 85-foot-wide course, while a six-inch sub-base of masonry sand is currently being topped by a blended mix of topsoil and grit sand. The actual seeding of the seven-furlong course with fescue and bluegrass won’t be undertaken until after the 12-day September meet concludes Oct. 3. No turf racing will be conducted until the 2022 spring meet at the earliest.

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Meanwhile, the Churchill stable area reopens Wednesday, much to the relief of many horsemen who have had their horses elsewhere since the backside closed July 5. Training begins Thursday, with the meet starting Sept. 16.