Churchill Downs hit hard by possible twister

[June 23, 2011]  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Churchill Downs officials are assessing the aftermath of a possible tornado that left several horse barns damaged and has temporarily halted races at the famed Kentucky Derby horse track.

Track spokesman John Asher says it was "borderline miraculous" that no people or horses were hurt when the storm hit Wednesday evening. Asher says nine horse barns had varying levels of damage and at least one had a massive hole in the roof.

The National Weather Service sent teams out Thursday to determine whether the funnel cloud reported in the area was the cause of the damage.

Asher said Thursday morning that track officials have not yet determined when racing will continue.

[Associated Press; By DYLAN LOVAN]

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