When Churchill Downs announcing in late 2020 that it would replace the track’s original turf, the $10 million investment is a sure sign of how serious it is.
Now, to support the immature pitch, which was laid out last fall and used for the first time this spring, the grass race will be limited to two races per day starting on the 11th. June. The track’s spring meeting will continue through July 4.
Tracking reported a drop in volume in an announcement that came out one night recently. The entries for the upcoming 19 races in its condition book will be made for dirt, rather than turf.
Churchill Downs communications director Darren Rogers said: “We have decided it would be best to limit grass-court racing to two games per day for the remainder of the spring meeting to allow new turf to resume. continue to grow and become stronger”. statement. “We had an open and good dialogue with the riders. The grass was cut short to promote continued root growth.”
The new turf is part of an overhaul that involves replacing the original surface of the Matt Winn Lawn with a blend of reeds and greens. The original surface dates back to 1985 when Churchill Downs started grass racing. The previous turf sometimes ran into problems in late fall.
“We have full confidence that it will get stronger for additional turf races later this year with just a little more time,” said Rogers.
