Report: Churchill Wants Night Experiment

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Churchill Downs will ask the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for permission to hold three night programs under temporary lights during its upcoming spring meet.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported April 1 the racetrack wants to gauge interest from patrons. Churchill spokesman John Asher told the newspaper Churchill is seeking a 6 p.m. EDT first post on June 19 and June 26 (Friday nights), and July 2 (a Thursday night).

Most likely, 11 races would offered each night, with final post no later than 11 p.m., the Courier-Journal reported.

Lights were considered when Churchill underwent its $120-million renovation but were scrapped to cut costs.

“It was something we looked at, not for a regular basis, but asking the market to see if there’s a desire for that product out there,” Asher told the newspaper. “It’s something we’ve considered for several years, and decided this was a good time to try it.”

Turfway Park is the only Kentucky Thoroughbred track with lights. Turfway races one to three programs per week at night depending on the meet.

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