This week’s blast of winter weather has prompted officials at Churchill Downs to cancel Wednesday's live racing program.
The main dirt track is frozen and spokesman Darren Rogers says the Churchill Downs maintenance crews won’t be able to get it into suitable shape for racing until temperatures rise above freezing.
He says the frigid weather is especially tough on jockeys and outriders.
“You'll see them bundled up wearing almost a ski mask and gloves while they're riding. It can become quite challenging," said Rogers. "The horses on the other hand they really like the cold weather. If you speak with any horseman they thrive off it.”
Rogers says weather-related cancellations are rare at Churchill Downs. He says this is the first time since 1986 that races were cancelled due to a frozen track.
He says it’s hoped that live racing will resume Thursday.
