Kentucky Downs, the only European-styled race course in North America and features only the uniquely-designed grass surface, has moved its’ opening day card — originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2 — to next Wednesday, Sept. 6.

The onslaught of heavy rains Thursday night, and throughout the day on Friday — due to the aftermath of the horrendous hurricane Harvey — necessitated the shift in dates, as over 6 inches of moisture filled the grounds.

“The ongoing impact of Hurricane Harvey makes it impossible to run Saturday,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ Senior Vice President and General Manager, in a press release just issued on Friday morning.  “The forecast was for one to five inches of rain, and we got six inches in 12 hours. It is in the best interest of the horses, jockeys, and our guests to move the entire card to Wednesday.”

Kentucky Downs must wait until Wednesday due to the fact that Ellis Park is scheduled to close its live racing meet with cards already scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

The Kentucky Downs’ Opener will be a blocker buster, none the less. It will include four major stakes races, including the following:

— The $400,000 Tourist Mile

— The $350,000 Fasig-Tipton Turf Showcase Juvenile

— The $350,000 Exacta Systems Juvenile Fillies

— The $150,000 One Dreamer

First post is set for 1:25 p.m. CT.