Source:  Various

Churchill Downs, home of the renowned Kentucky Derby, was directly hit by a tornado Wednesday night.  No people or horses were injured in the storm, although damage to several barns was severe.

Racing was cancelled on Thursday, but will resume on Friday evening.  The Spring Meet calendar includes eight more days and racing will continue until July 8th as scheduled.

The tornado touched down at approximately 8:10 Wednesday night.  It tore roofs off of several buildings and destroyed an estimated six barns.  

People rushed to the scene to help rescue horses from the debris.  Between 75 and 100  horses had to be rehoused in empty stalls at Churchill and at nearby Keeneland racetrack

A large number of backside employees - grooms and track workers - who lived in apartments above the barns have also been made homeless.

The tornado formed from a line of thunderstorms moving through the area.  It punched winds of 100 mph through the barns, and went on to topple power lines and rip off roofs in nearby neighborhoods.

The famous landmark twin spires were not damaged.

In its over 130 years existence, Churchill downs has survived ice storms, a flash flood, and an earlier tornado.