Turfway Park closes meet early after governor's order

Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., is ending its meet with three days left on the racing calendar after the state’s governor urged all non-essential businesses to close due to the coronavirus pandemic, the parent company of the track, Churchill Downs Inc., announced Wednesday night.

Turfway was initially scheduled to close its meet after a card on Saturday, following racing on Thursday and Friday. All three cards will no longer be held.

Like nearly all tracks in the United States, Turfway had been closed to spectators and as a simulcasting site for nearly two weeks. Several tracks have ended their live meets early this week, including Fair Grounds in New Orleans and Sam Houston in Texas, following similar government orders or requests.

In the announcement, Churchill said that the track’s backstretch would remain open for training, under a provision of the governor’s order allowing for “food, shelter, or other necessities of life for animals.” On Tuesday, Churchill said that the backside of its Louisville track would not open until at least April 14, four weeks after its initial opening date.

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