NKyTribune staff
The storms that moved through the area Wednesday night produced high winds that caused significant damage to Turfway Park in Florence.
As a result, Turfway Park officials announced to day that it expects to be closed for simulcast wagering until at least June 9.
The National Weather Service indicates winds were recorded at more than 70 miles per hour at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, just a stone’s throw from Turfway Park.
Crews were at the track Thursday morning assessing the damage and beginning initial repairs.
Track officials say the structure suffered significant damage to the roof and several windows were blown out on the side of the grandstand.
The closing is significant because Belmont Stakes day, a major wagering day for horseplayers, is Saturday, June 8. The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown.
In addition to that race, Belmont Park has seven other Grade I stakes on Saturday’s card, including the Acorn, the Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap and the Manhattan Stakes.
Turfway Park officials expressed disappointment that it would not be able to offer simulcasting on such a significant race day, but said the safety of fans comes first.
Contact the Northern Kentucky tribune at news@nkytrib.com