Turfway in period of transition while getting ready to reopen

Plans are being finalized for makeshift accommodations at Turfway Park, where the backside is undergoing repairs and other upgrades prior to opening for horsemen on Nov. 1.

Churchill Downs Inc., which bought Turfway last year, is in the process of constructing a racino-type facility with a wide variety of features. A new Tapeta surface is expected to be ready for training when the stable area opens, but with the old grandstand having been razed, temporary facilities will be in use throughout the winter, including frontside for racing officials and on the backside for owners and trainers. The paddock and jockeys’ room remain in place.

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The holiday meet will run Dec. 2-31, with the three-month winter-spring meet starting without interruption on Jan. 1.

◗ Even without fans at the track, Keeneland is still going ahead Friday with the College Scholarship Day it hosts every meet in conjunction with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Scholarships totaling $30,000 will be raffled off during the afternoon. Full information is available on the track website, keeneland.com.