The racing schedule for Kentucky’s Thoroughbred racetracks will look familiar in 2009 with the possible exception of Ellis Park.
While Ellis Park requested and was approved for 48 days from July 4 through September 7, the Henderson, Kentucky track noted that it may have to race just four days a week during the meet. The move would require approval from horsemen.
Ellis owner Ron Geary explained that meets at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park will overlap with Ellis for the first time. Both of those tracks have purses enhanced by expanded gaming and Geary fears that his track could come up short on horses.
“We don’t want to be running three-horse fields,” Geary said.
Geary said he will try to let the commission and horsemen know as early as possible about his final plans.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved racing dates for 2009 at its Monday meeting at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Lexington.
Churchill Downs is scheduled to race 52 days at its spring meet from April 25 through July 5. Both Ellis Park and Churchill Downs will offer racing on July 4 and 5.
Keeneland Race Course’s 15-day spring meet will run from April 3 through April 24 while its 17-day fall meet will begin on October 9 and end October 31.
Turfway Park’s winter/spring meet will start January 1 and continue through April 2. Its fall meet is scheduled for September 9 through October 8, and its holiday meet will run from November 29 through December 31. Turfway is scheduled to race 114 days.
Kentucky Downs will race six days from September 19 through September 29.
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