The Louisiana Racing Commission has ordered Churchill Downs Inc. to put $2.7 million back into the purse structure for the Fair Grounds' upcoming thoroughbred meet.
Churchill Downs said it withheld the money from the purses as a result of pending litigation concerning payouts to the Fair Grounds' quarter horse meet. The commission, which met Tuesday specifically to address the issue, said Churchill Downs did not have the authority to remove the purse money, and ordered it to be put back as soon as possible. Churchill Downs had initially placed the money in escrow and said it planned to distribute the funds upon conclusion of the lawsuit. However, that timetable was unknown.
The thoroughbred meet begins November 21st.