Kentucky Downs officials announced Tuesday that spectators will not be allowed to attend the thoroughbred racing meet set for Sept. 7-16 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the surge in cases in Kentucky and Tennessee, we feel it’s in our guests’ best interest and the state’s best interest to not have spectators,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ senior vice president and general manager. “No one is more disappointed than us to have to make this difficult call. We know our unique meet, with its full fields and country-fair atmosphere, has become a ritual for many racing enthusiasts and a popular entertainment destination for the region.
“We also don’t take lightly the impact on our area hotels and other businesses for which the race meet is a financial boom. But this is the responsible call to make at this time with the virus spiking and how we can best continue to conduct horse racing amid the pandemic.”
Related coverage: Churchill Downs announces plan to allow fans for Derby
Tickets purchased through Kentucky Downs’ online box office will be refunded.
“We apologize for the inconvenience to all the people who have been making plans to attend,” Nicholson said. “We waited as long as we could to make a final determination but wanted to give people as much notice as possible.”
Kentucky Downs is working with horsemen to allow owners and their connections to attend.
Located in Franklin, Kentucky Downs will conduct a six-day meet with turf racing on Sept. 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16. The most lucrative race on the card is the $1 million, Grade 3 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup for 3-year-olds and up at 1 ½ miles on Sept. 12.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @KentuckyDerbyCJ. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/jasonf.
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