Live racing and training are cancelled today at Churchill Downs, as damage assessment and cleanup continue from yesterday’s storms that caused heavy damage to numerous structures on the track’s backside. A suspected tornado tore through the grounds last evening, damaging or destroying nine barns, a chapel and a dormitory for track workers.There were no injuries to people or horses. Track spokesman John Asher said dozens of horses would have to be relocated. Strong winds, including possible tornados, also downed tree limbs and power lines along Central Avenue near the track at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.The winds were followed by torrential rains, which made numerous roads impassable. Emergency workers were called to rescue several motorists who got stranded trying to drive into high water.Strong winds also caused damage to an apartment building in Jeffersontown. Louisville Gas and Electric Company crews worked through the night to restore service to homes and businesses left without power, which numbered over 7,000 at the height of the outages. A link to the LG&E outage map is here.(Photos 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.
