Live racing at Ellis Park begins this Saturday – about a month ahead of schedule -- as an investigation continues at Churchill Downs. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
Churchill Downs announced the decision to move the remainder of its Spring Meet to Ellis Park on Friday.
The decision followed a series of 12 horse deaths at Churchill since the meet began, including two on the day of the Kentucky Derby.
In a release, Churchill said no single factor has been identified as a potential cause and no discernable pattern has been detected to connect the fatalities.
But officials at the famed racetrack said the decision to relocate was made out of an “abundance of caution.”
It follows a recommendation from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
The move is an unexpected boost for Ellis Park and related commerce.
The Henderson track’s live racing season usually begins around the Fourth of July.