Dry weather forces Churchill to halt turf racing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs has halted turf racing at least until the final week of the fall meet because of the deteriorating condition of its turf course.

Even with minimal rain in the local area in November, the root system on the course has failed, owing partly to unusually dry weather in late summer and early autumn. Horses were tearing large divots from the course in recent races, leading to an announcement Saturday by track officials that all further racing will take place on the main track, at least until the final week of the 24-day meet (Nov. 25-29). The Nov. 26 Cardinal and Nov. 27 River City, both turf races, remain on the stakes schedule.

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The Saturday announcement said in part: “Out of an abundance of caution, there will be no turf racing at Churchill Downs through Sunday, Nov. 22, because the course has not satisfactorily responded to this fall’s climate. Our team will continue to evaluate the course daily, and grass racing will resume should the conditions become more optimum.”

Churchill has plans for a massive renovation of the turf course next summer, following the conclusion of the 2021 spring meet.