Churchill Downs moves Wednesday 1st post to 10:30 a.m. because of projected heat

A Churchill Downs advisory (Coady photo of Sconsin winning Churchill Downs’ Grade 3 Winning Colors Stakes)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sunday, June 19, 2022) – The first race for Wednesday’s nine-race program at Churchill Downs has been changed from 12:45 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. (all times Eastern) because of expected hot temperatures in the Louisville area later that day. The final race of the day will now be 2:20 p.m.

          Additionally, hours for morning training Wednesday at Churchill Downs have been changed to 5-8 a.m. with one renovation break at 6:30 a.m.

          Admission gates will open Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Post times for the Wednesday racing action are as follows:

·        Race 1: 10:30 a.m.

·        Race 2: 10:58 a.m.

·        Race 3: 11:26 a.m.

·        Race 4: 11:56 a.m.

·        Race 5: 12:26 p.m.

·        Race 6: 12:55 p.m.

·        Race 7: 1:23 p.m.

·        Race 8: 1:51 p.m.

·        Race 9: 2:20 p.m.

The National Weather Service early forecast for Louisville on Wednesday calls for it to be sunny and hot with a high near 98 and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. 

Last week, two racing days – Wednesday and Thursday – were lost because of extreme heat.

Any decision about cancellations or post time changes during extreme weather conditions are made through consultation with CDI’s Equine Medical Director, track management and regulatory officials. Many factors, including temperature, humidity and wind speeds, are evaluated to ensure the safety and well-being of human and equine athletes.