Churchill Downs announced it will resume distribution of Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund payments to horses finishing first through last in all races for their upcoming September meet.
Austin Schmitt, vice president of finance for Churchill Downs, revealed the news during an Aug. 10 meeting of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Advisory Committee. The committee approved Churchill’s September meet allotment request.
Payment through last was a reversion of Churchill’s June 1 announcement when the track paused paying all finishers, limiting payments to the top-five runners. This was part of several HISA-backed safety incentives implemented by Churchill Inc. after a rash of fatalities occurred at the Louisville track. The Churchill spring meet concluded after it was shifted to Ellis Park.
KING: Churchill Downs, HISA Add Equine Safety Initiatives
It was also noted at the KTDF meeting that seven lost race days from the Churchill spring meet would be dissolved.
Additionally, Churchill revealed that its maiden special weight purses will remain at $120,000 for both the September meet, which runs Sept. 14-Oct. 1, and for its fall meet from Oct. 29-Nov. 26. Keeneland, represented by vice president of racing Gatewood Bell at the KTDF meeting, will carry maiden special weight purses of $100,000 for the second year in a row this fall.
Actions by the committee are regularly subject to full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approval.
