Kentucky Oaks 2018: Churchill Downs track conditions
With rain in the forecast, what are the conditions at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks?
There’s a 70 percent chance of rain in Louisville on Friday, May 4 — the date of the Kentucky Oaks, the unofficial opener to the Kentucky Derby. Meaning, we could be in for a very muddy race. For now though, the dirt track remains in good condition as fillies run the undercard races at the first day of the Derby weekend.
Scattered thunderstorms are set to begin around 5 p.m. ET and continue through 7 p.m. ET. According to Derby Experiences, an official partner of Churchill Downs, the Oaks and Derby run rain or shine, but lightning would in fact delay the race. A wash out could delay the race as well, but it rarely gets to that.
Churchill Downs could get as much as two inches of rain on Friday evening and again, while only lightning would prevent the race from going on, the rain could result in a off-track adjustment for bets. (“The possibility of an off-track” refers to a change in the odds, not an actual change in the track.) Bookies would advise you to consider whether the contender you have your heart and potential money set on has raced on sloppy and muddy tracks before.
A lot of heavy rain on the way tonight and Saturday for central and eastern Kentucky. Some local 2” amounts possible. Churchill Downs looks to be on the western edge of the rain shield. #kywx
— Chris Bailey (@Kentuckyweather) May 4, 2018
As for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, there’s a 40 percent chance of rain around 5 p.m. ET and it seems all but guaranteed Churchill Downs will reflect the effects of overnight thunderstorms. But with no lightning on the radar for Saturday, the Derby’s record may remain immaculate. Through in 143 races, the Kentucky Derby has never been delayed, though CNN reports that 46 percent of all Derby days have involved rain. Muddy tracks are almost as much a part of Derby tradition as hats and mint juleps at this point.
Next: 20 short stories about the 2018 Kentucky Derby horses
NBC begins its official Kentucky Oaks coverage at 5 p.m. ET, a little over an hour before the post-time of 6:12 p.m. ET — assuming, of course, lightning doesn’t delay the proceedings.
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