LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the second time in just as many days, Churchill Downs has canceled a full day of racing due to extreme heat.
What You Need To Know
- Racing was canceled for the second day in a row at Churchill Downs
- Thursday's slate of races has been called off due to excessive heat
- Racing has only been cancelled 23 times in Churchill Downs' history
Churchill Downs officials announced Wednesday that Thursday's eight-race program and simulcast wagering have been canceled. Racing is set to resume Friday at 12:45 p.m. local time, but that could change as track officials continue to monitor the forecast.
"Any decision about cancellations in extreme weather conditions is made through consultation with CDI’s Equine Medical Director, track management and regulatory officials," Churchill Downs said in a news release. "Many factors, including temperature, humidity and wind speeds, are evaluated to ensure the safety and well-being of human and equine athletes."
Thursday's cancellation marks the 23rd in the track's nearly 150-year history.
The heat wave rocking much of the state was also cited in the cancellation of Wednesday's races. Most of the past cancellations were due to rain, tornadoes or a frozen racetrack. Extreme heat has been cited in three cancellations, according to numbers from Churchill Downs.