Kentucky Downs cancels Sunday card after two races due to heavy rain

FRANKLIN, Ky. – After running two races, Kentucky Downs canceled the remainder of its 11-race card Sunday because of course conditions.

Following a morning rain that left the turf-only track rated “good,” a heavy rainstorm came down for 20 minutes or so, leaving the grass soaked. Jockeys informed the stewards about 20 minutes after the second race that they preferred not to ride any further.

Kentucky Downs officials said they have received permission from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to make up the nine races Tuesday as originally slated (races 3-11), including three stakes – the Untapable, Music City, and Ladies Marathon. Dry and warm conditions are expected to prevail in this region starting Sunday night and for at least several days afterward. The closing-day card Wednesday remains on, with three more stakes on tap.

This is the second partial cancellation at a seven-day meet that began Sept. 1. The final four races scheduled for Sept. 3 were postponed to a later date, also because of a major rainstorm. Through the years, cancellations at Kentucky Downs have not been uncommon.

Churchill Downs in Louisville starts its 14-day, dirt-only September meet Thursday with an eight-race twilight card.