Kentucky Oaks 2025: Severe weather causes delay at Churchill

Louisville, Ky., was under a severe thunderstorm warning Friday afternoon, with the National Weather Service saying quarter-size hail was a possibility.

As a result, the fillies in the Grade 2 Eight Belles at Churchill Downs skipped the traditional post parade and went straight from the paddock to the gate. Scheduled for 4:07 p.m. EDT as the ninth race on the card, the race went off at 4:01 p.m. EDT after the rain began.

Look Forward, a filly trained by Michael McCarthy, won the Eight Belles on a track listed by Equibase as sealed fast. 

As of shortly after the Eight Belles ended, post time for the 10th race on the card, the Unbridled Sidney (G3), was pushed out to 5:11 p.m. EDT, 20 minutes after its original published start. The Churchill Downs board said the course is firm for the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint, but Equibase rated it as good.

Overnight Friday night, the NWS forecast called for an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 59 degrees.

Rain is in the forecast again Kentucky Derby day, with the NWS calling for a 90% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm and a high near 65.