Limited Owner Attendance Begins at Churchill

Participating owners will be allowed to attend races on a limited basis at Churchill Downs beginning June 6, according to information posted on the track's website. As a COVID-19 safety precaution, the Louisville track is running behind closed doors, with attendance largely restricted to trainers, grooms, assistants, and essential track staff.

A post in the horsemen's hospitality section of the Churchill Downs website states that two people per entered horse can attend the races, one of which must be a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission-licensed owner. Masks are required, and social distancing must be maintained.

Owners are to check in at will call at the paddock gate ticket office, where a list of "in today" owners will be checked off for verification. In the instance of a syndicate or partnership, the listed program owner may call 502-638-3859 on the morning of the race to designate another partner or syndicate member as the representative for the horse. That person must also have a KHRC license.

All people must adhere to social distancing guidelines while in the paddock area and will be directed to watch the race from the first floor Winner's Circle Suite and Courtyard areas. Upon completion of their race, owners will be asked to leave the property. 

There will be one restroom open but no wagering windows or concession options on the property. No backside access is permitted.