Churchill Downs’ delays opening of stable area until March 31

A Churchill Downs press release:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, March 14, 2020) – After consultation with local public health officials, Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today amid public health concerns regarding COVID-19 that it will delay the reopening of its stable areas at both Churchill Downs Racetrack and the auxiliary training center Trackside for two weeks until Tuesday, March 31. The stable areas have been closed since Dec. 31 for annual winter renovations and were scheduled to reopen Tuesday, March 17.

The safety and health of guests, employees and participants remain of primary concern and the team at Churchill Downs Racetrack will continue to take every precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Churchill Downs officials have been working carefully and diligently with relevant health experts and authorities to ensure the most responsible decision is made regarding the timing of the 146th Kentucky Derby this year. Officials expect to have an update about the Kentucky Derby and additional information on the upcoming Spring Meet in the coming week.

Jennie Rees is a communications and advocacy specialist in the horse industry who spent 32 years covering horse racing for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal before taking a corporate buyout. In addition to handling communications for the Kentucky HBPA, Rees is Kentucky Downs’ publicity director, manages in-season racing publicity for Ellis Park and serves as a consultant to the National HBPA. Other projects include the Preakness Stakes, Indiana Grand’s Indiana Derby Week and work for various HBPA affiliates and horsemen’s associations.