Turfway Park cuts its meet short, narrowing U.S. racing options
Churchill Downs Incorporated on Wednesday announced the suspension of racing at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., effective immediately.
The move is in accordance with the “Healthy at Home” Executive Order 2020-257 issued by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear following public health concerns in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Turfway Park racing season was originally scheduled to run through March 28, which means only the final three racing dates were lost.
Turfway Park’s backside will remain open for training, as it falls under the “life-sustaining business” category as it provides “food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals.” Focus at Turfway Park will remain on the safety of all employees and members of the backside community.
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The Kentucky circuit was scheduled to move from Turfway to Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., in April. That track has canceled its Spring Meet. Churchill Downs hasn't announced yet whether it will run races in May and June as scheduled.
Turfway's cancellation leaves only a handful of Thoroughbred tracks left running in the United States, with Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs in Florida; Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in California; Oaklawn Park in Arkansas; Will Rogers Downs in Oklahoma; and Nebraska's Fonner Park.
Turfway was the last track in business that runs its cards primarily at night.