The Kentucky Oaks will be broadcast in prime time next year and beyond. That is good news for Churchill Downs and NBC. But that means race fans will get out of the track very, very late — too late to do much of anything else. That will badly hurt local restaurateurs and some local charities.
I hope Churchill Downs will take another look at how this decision affects so many other businesses.
Here's what our viewers had to say:
"I don't think Churchill Downs really cares about the people or the city itself. It's all about downs."
"That's just crazy — the Oaks after 8. That is what you call Churchill Downs' greed."
"This kind of takes away from the locals being able to have the experience that they've normally had. You should consider everybody and not just how your pockets can be lifted up.
"I believe you're right, sir. There's no reason to change the time. It's been going on for many, many, many years.
"As far as restaurants losing money, I feel like they just doubled their earning potential by, one, catering to people wanting an early dinner before they go to the track, and then you got the second crowd of people who can't afford to go to the track and would rather go to a restaurant and watch the track during the race."
"Let's hope that Churchill Downs will rethink this whole thing and try to be a good neighbor. Please. Thank you."
