Gaming News

Churchill to cut seven dates, stakes purses

CHURCHILL DOWNS -- As reported by the Thoroughbred Times: "The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) approved a Churchill Downs plan to cut seven racing dates from its current spring-summer meeting and reduce purses for six stakes races.

"Churchill representatives told the commission the changes were necessary because of reduced field sizes and a 20% drop in handle on racing days other than the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) cards. The commission unanimously approved the changes during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

"...Beginning on May 20, Churchill will cut its five remaining Wednesday dates and shift to a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, except for the Thursday after Memorial Day, which also will be cut.

"Churchill also will slash $425,000 from six stakes races, including a $150,000 reduction in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) to $600,000..."

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