Tornado strikes Churchill Downs – Races Cancelled – President Kevin Flanery puts Safety first
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, the famous thoroughbred race track Churchill Downs was hit by a tornado on 22 June, 2011.
There are no reports of casualties, or, injuries, as yet. Some structural damage to barns and a chapel seem to be the only affects of the tornado so far.
There were no races to be run on 22 June so there was no crowd at Churchill Downs but the people, who take care of the horses, reside there and they live near the barns, which lost their roofs.
The track President, Kevin Flanery, was quick to comment on the safety of both the horses and staff, saying that it is their primary concern that all of them are safe.
Lexington race track came to Churchill Downs rescue, which was in need of help for its displaced horses, to get shelter before something else happens, because the people of the press, and, other bystanders were in danger, while the horses ran loose all over the place.
The horses will be transferred to another facility called the Sports Spectrum, which is not too far from the Churchill Downs race track.
The track’s management has announced that the races scheduled on 23 June are cancelled because the disaster stricken race track would not be able to hold racing events before some rebuilding process takes place, and, the thoroughbred race track is safe for both horses, and, people.
Churchill Downs, which officially opened in 1875, is responsible for hosting the famous Kentucky Derby, which is the opening leg of the illustrious Triple Crown. Churchill Downs have been conducting the Kentucky Derby ever since its inception and it also hosted the Kentucky Oaks on the opening day.
Churchill Downs is also the host site for the Breeders’ Cup this year, which will commence on 4 November. It has hosted this event six times and most recently in 2010. Among so many race tracks in the United States, Churchill Downs was ranked 5th by the Horse Players Association in North America.
It is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated. The same company is responsible for the massive expansion project, which took place in 1994, when the President Thomas H. Tom Meeker, made heavy investments, buying out race tracks and building new ones.
Today the massive structure of Churchill Downs reflects history and holds the pride of the Bluegrass State.
The damage to the property is significant and for now races are not going to take place at Churchill Downs, but hopefully repair work will be swift and the horses will return to the race track as soon as possible.
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