No Horses Hurt By Churchill Downs Tornado, Humans Also Safe

On June 22 a tornado tore through Churchill Downs Racetrack in Lousville, Kentucky destroying several barns and leaving roofs caved in at several stalls, thankfully we have learned that the path of destruction did not claim the lives of any horses or humans.

Working with the home of the Kentucky Derby were the Louisville Fire Department, Metro Police Department and Gas and Electric Company which all helped to assist stable workers and horsemen as they attempted to secure their Thoroughbred horses.

When all was said and done nine out of 48 Churchill Downs barns were destroyed by the storm, while the tracks chapel also suffered damage.

After the storm some 200 horses wer displaced with many being transferred to the nearby Keeneland Race Course, Skylight Training center and other locations throughout the area.

For their part trainers and stall owners have worked together, in many cases offering their own empty stalls to fellow horsemen who they compete against on a regular basis.

Churchill executives are working to fix the barns that can be fixed and build new stables where needed, although a time frame for the renovation is not known.

Despite the damage the track will resume races on June 24 when they will host the Downs After Dark races. [via Yahoo Sports]