By Rick HowlettTechnicians are are making some final adustments to the permanent lights just installed at the home of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs officials decided to install the fixtures after the success of a night racing experiment last year that used temporary lights (pictured).Track spokesperson Darren Rogers says the permanent lights are more energy efficient and easier to maneuver."These lights, not only will they be utilized for our special six "Downs After Dark" programs scheduled this year, but it gives us plenty of options that we haven't had in the past. For example, they'll be used during the HullabaLou music festival once the season's over in July," he said.The first of this year's six "Downs After Dark" night racing cards is Friday, June 11.(Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs)
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.
