LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At least five barns were damaged and horses were running loose Wednesday at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, after a powerful storm that spawned tornadoes blew through Louisville.
Officials have no immediate reports of injuries to humans or horses.
The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down near the famed track and the University of Louisville campus about 8:10 p.m. EDT. Though no races are run on Wednesdays, there was simulcasting of races elsewhere, so people may have been there, said track president Kevin Flanery.
Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers said at least five barns had roof damage and the chapel was hit. The barn damage was on the back side of the track where workers live in the dorms, Flanery said.
The iconic twin spires above the clubhouse overlooking the finish line apparently were not damaged, Flanery said. “Clearly we’ve got several barns with significant damage, and we’re just trying to make sure people and the animals are safe first,” Flanery said.
Security guards were turning away reporters, citing danger from the loose horses.
The Kentucky Derby has been run for more than 130 years at the track. Churchill Downs is in its spring meet, in which racing takes place Thursday through Sunday through July 4.
Weather service meteorologist Ryan Sharp said damage also was reported in the Shively area, west of downtown Louisville.
