Storm damages barns, backstretch area at Churchill Downs; racing canceled

Churchill Downs Racetrack will be closed for live racing,

training and simulcast-wagering operations on

Thursday following severe storms that damaged nine barns in the

historic venue's barnyard, along with a number of stable area structures,

including some living accommodations for backstretch workers. No injuries to

workers or horses on site were reported.

Nine barns suffered significant damage as a result of the storm,

which reportedly produced tornados in the Metro Louisville, Kentucky, area.

Churchill Downs officials -- in conjunction with Churchill Downs horsemen and

Louisville-area emergency responders -- have arranged for the possible

evacuation of approximately 150 horses to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition

Center, located on Crittenden Drive, in close proximity to the racetrack.

"We want to credit the fast response and cool heads of the

emergency responders from the Louisville Fire Department, Louisville Metro

Police Department, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and our Churchill Downs

personnel on site for helping us quickly see to the needs of our horsemen and

their livestock and the stable-area workers who required assistance," Churchill

Downs President Kevin Flanery said. "It was an amazing team effort under very

difficult circumstances, including the continued threat of severe weather in the

Louisville region. We are extremely grateful to these individuals for truly

helping us weather the storm."

Flanery added that the management team is still assessing damage

to the entire Churchill Downs facility and will provide updates as soon as

possible regarding the track's racing schedule for the remainder of the week,

including the scheduled Downs After Dark program set for Friday.