Kentucky Downs renovates much of its turf course

Kentucky Downs officials announced Thursday that a sizable portion of the 1 5/16-mile turf course has undergone a major renovation and is expected to be fully ready for the six-day meet in September 2021.

New sod has been laid from the six-furlong pole to the eighth pole, extending 63 feet in width around the sweeping far turn and into the homestretch. The newly laid portions include a perennial trouble spot near the three-eighths pole.

“Obviously, we face unique challenges with the Kentucky Downs course, racing exclusively on grass and with our unusual configuration and elevation variances,” track vice president Ted Nicholson said in a press release. “We’re thrilled with how it’s turned out.”

The project was overseen by Butch Lehr, best known for his 30-year tenure as track superintendent at Churchill Downs. Iron Bridge Sod Farms of Bowling Green, Ky., provided and installed the sod.

“We concentrated on the heavily used part of the track,” Lehr said. “This track is so different than traditional tracks in the United States with its up and downhill. What we tried to do is get a uniform material underneath, then made it really smooth. We’re fortunate that Iron Bridge had the ideal type of sod, which is not easy to find. I’m really feeling good about it.”

This is the first substantial renovation of the Kentucky Downs course since it was laid out in 1990 for steeplechasing. The 2021 meet spans Sept. 5-12.