In a notice to the riders posted on June 25 one night, Churchill Downs announced that only four July 2-3 stake races will be run on turf as scheduled before its spring meeting ends on July 4. All other scheduled grass races will be run on the main track.
The four stakes are $350,000 worth of Wise Dan (G2T) Shares, $200,000 Tepin Shares, and $200,000 Derby — with those three races on July 2 — plus $160,000 Past Shares Anchorage night July 3.
Churchill Downs has not run on grass since June 10 when there was a horse fatality in the grass race. The next day, the track announced they would be suspending grass racing for at least two weeks to allow its immature turf to develop its root system and become more sturdy. It was laid down with fog last fall.
Since the grass race was suspended, the turf is being kept, said Darren Rogers, the track’s director of communications and media services. The course will be open for practice on June 26, he said.
Churchill Downs replaced the previous course last year, investing $10 million in an enlarged surface with a new irrigation system.
Following the spring meeting, Churchill also has a summer race day scheduled for August 13, hosting Arlington Million (G1T), Beverly D. (G1T), and other stakes it acquires. after Churchill Downs Inc. close the door Arlington International Racecourse.
Churchill Downs has a meeting in September and fall later this year.
