Kentucky Derby not ready for night racing, yet
By BRUCE SCHREINER Associated Press May 2, 2012 10:31AM
Updated: May 2, 2012 10:32AM
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Horse racing under lights with the twin spires aglow. That’s been the scene as Kentucky’s Churchill Downs racetrack has dabbled with night racing since 2009. The results at the Louisville track have been like hitting the exacta for surging attendance and betting.
But its signature event, the Kentucky Derby to be run Saturday, is decidedly a daytime spectacle.
Track President Kevin Flanery says lights were not installed with the Derby in mind. He says the track will, in his words, “never say never,” but thinks it has a good thing going with the Derby’s current time slot.
Post time for the 138th Derby on Saturday is set for 6:24 p.m. EDT.
NBC, which carries the race, has coverage from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
