Kentucky Downs prepares to open for live racing

FRANKLIN, Ky. (WNKY) – Kentucky Downs is putting the finishing touches on its annual live racing meet, with opening day set for Saturday, Aug. 29.

The Franklin track will host live racing on Aug. 29-30, Sept. 3-5, Sept. 7 and Sept. 9.

Kentucky Downs Vice President of Racing Ted Nicholson said preparations for the meet begin almost as soon as the previous season ends. Officials spend months reviewing the previous year’s event and looking for ways to improve the experience for horses, jockeys, trainers and fans.

“We start preparing once our race meet’s over for the next year,” Nicholson said. “It is a lot of work to put this jigsaw puzzle together.”

The track is known for attracting top horses, trainers and jockeys from around the world. Nicholson said Kentucky Downs’ purses help bring that talent to south-central Kentucky.

“We conduct, clearly, the highest purses, which brings the best horses and the best trainers and best jockeys in the world here,” Nicholson said.

The meet also is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the region. Nicholson said Kentucky Downs averages about 5,000 people on weekends, with visitors traveling to Franklin to watch the races and spend time in the surrounding communities.

He said the track’s seven race days can have an impact on hotels and businesses from Franklin to Bowling Green and into Tennessee.

Kentucky Downs also is preparing for its biggest day of the meet, Sept. 5, when the Nashville Derby will be held. The day will feature five major stakes races and culminate with the $3 million Nashville Derby.

The Nashville Derby will be televised nationally on NBC and locally on NBC 40 on Sept. 5 with coverage starting at 3 p.m.