Colonial Downs moves races to draw better crowds

Churchill Downs Inc. finalized its purchase of Colonial Downs earlier this year, and the company is "moving two of its Grade 1 stakes races" to the track in 2023, according to Jerry Lindquist of the RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH. The Arlington Million, which had been at the now-shuttered track outside Chicago, and the Beverly D. Stakes will be part of a "one-day extravaganza of racing." CDI Exec Dir of Racing Gary Palmisano believes the event will be "worthy of national network television." Colonial Downs also is switching from its Monday-Wednesday racing formula -- which "produced record wagering" -- to Thursday-Saturday for the 2023 meet, which will run from July 13-September 9. CDI VP/Gaming Operations Jack Sours admits the change in dates is a gamble, but he said that the "goal was to attract larger in-person attendance" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 12/27).