Tornado damages Churchill Downs barns

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 23 (UPI) -- Churchill Downs canceled Thursday racing in the wake of a tornado that damaged several horse barns in the backstretch area Wednesday night.

No injuries to people or horses were reported as a result of the tornado, which was confirmed Thursday morning by National Weather Service personnel on site. Seven barns and the backstretch chapel sustained damage. The iconic grandstand, with its white twin spires, was not affected by the twister.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have survived last night's tornado without injury to our backstretch human or equine population," Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery said.

He said Friday night's racing will be conducted as scheduled.

"Additionally, we will use our Churchill Charities 'Pony Up For Charity' fundraiser already scheduled for our night racing event tomorrow to raise money for backstretch storm victims," Flanery said.

Some trainers lost equipment and feed in the storm and personnel living on the backstretch were displaced.

Training over the Churchill Downs tracks also was canceled Thursday although the track's off-site training facility was open and operating normally.