Kentucky Downs Moves Post Times Up

Kentucky Downs is moving the starting time for its first race to 12:15 p.m. Central, up from 1:25 p.m. in recent years. This year's meet runs Aug. 31 and Sept. 5, 7, 8 and 12 over the all-grass track on the Tennessee border.

“It just makes sense for a variety of reasons,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' senior vice president and general manager. “We have become one of America's premier racing products. Knowing that, we want to make our races as convenient as possible to the most horseplayers possible. Our opening day overlaps closing weekend at Saratoga and Del Mar. The earlier post time lets us start early with Saratoga and also get more races in before Del Mar begins. Also, since so many of our horses, horsemen and a significant number of our guests come in from Louisville, Lexington, and the East Coast time zone, the earlier start allows them to get home at a reasonable time.”