Safety Enhancements: Churchill To Double Frequency Of Surface Testing, Establish New Safety Management Committee

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Monday that Churchill Downs Racetrack will resume live racing for the regularly scheduled meet beginning Sept. 14, 2023. The meet will take place following a temporary suspension of racing operations to conduct an internal safety review.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of existing safety protocols and a thorough assessment of industry best practices, Churchill Downs has implemented several key enhancements to further ensure the safety and well-being of equine and human athletes. Key elements include:

“We are excited to resume live racing again at Churchill Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Our commitment to safety remains paramount as we enter this September meet and our participants, fans and the public can be assured that we will continue to investigate, evaluate and improve upon every policy and protocol.”

Tickets are on sale for the entire 40-day September and Fall meets at Churchill Downs and can be purchased at www.churchilldowns.com/tickets. The September meet runs through October 1 and will feature: Twilight Thursdays, September 14, 21 and 28; Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby and 150th Kentucky Oaks Kickoff on Saturday, September 16; Stakes Room Brunch on September 17 and 24; Downs After Dark, “Bourbon and Boots” on Saturday, September 23; and Family Adventure Day on Sunday, October 1.

The Fall meet runs from October 29 through November 26 and will feature: Stars of Tomorrow I on Sunday, October 29; Trick or Treat at the Track on Sunday, October 29; Breeders Cup Watch Party, November 3 and 4; Stakes Room Brunch every Sunday from November 5-26; Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 11; and Thanksgiving Weekend festivities from Thursday, November 23 through Sunday, November 26 including The Clark presented by Norton Healthcare on Friday, November 24 and Stars of Tomorrow II on Saturday, November 25.