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Frank Angst

Following three successful night cards this year, Churchill Downs plans to offer a half-dozen programs under the lights in 2010.

Churchill plans to offer four Friday night programs during its spring meeting: June 11, June 18, June 25, and July 2, along with two fall date programs falling on Halloween (Sunday, October 31) and Friday, November 19.

This year’s “Downs After Dark” cards were offered three times, averaging 29,705 in attendance and attracting 33,481 on July 2, which was the largest Churchill crowd ever for a card that did not include the Kentucky Derby (G1), Kentucky Oaks (G1), or Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

“We want to keep Downs After Dark a special and unique experience for our fans,” Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery said. “For three nights this past spring, Churchill Downs was transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot. The track was the place to be and offered the biggest party in town. Our distinctive events under the lights helped redefine the on-track racing experience and generated a tremendous buzz in the community and within the horse racing industry.”

This year’s night cards were conducted under temporary lighting. The track announced on Tuesday that Musco Lighting has been selected to install permanent lights at the Louisville track. Churchill worked with Musco on the temporary lighting plan.

Flanery noted that local horsemen and the community have helped Churchill stage the successful events.

“It could not have been accomplished without the teamwork and support of our horsemen’s groups, neighborhood associations, and employees and the fantastic support and participation we received from the Greater Louisville community,” Flanery said. “Our goal for the coming year is to deliver that same level of excitement to core customers, casual patrons, and entertainment seekers within these six special Downs After Dark events in 2010.”

Also on Tuesday, Churchill announced the launch of a web site that will allow fans to purchase exact reserved seat locatio