Decision to delay Kentucky Oaks race draws criticism from local business

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Hours after Churchill Downs announced a major scheduling change for 152nd Kentucky Oaks, local restaurants began voicing concerns about what they call a lack of communication, and consideration.

Churchill Downs announced Thursday that the prestigious race will air during primetime at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, marking the first time in the event's history that it will be held in the evening hours.

"We are excited to present the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time ever," said Jon Miller, president of Acquisitions and Partnerships at NBC Sports. "With the Oaks on Friday night leading into the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, we can't wait to get back to Churchill Downs for another historic weekend of racing."

But as the 2026 Kentucky Derby approaches, the tension between growth and tradition is seemingly expanding. While Churchill Downs pursues national expansion and television audience growth, local businesses argue they are an integral part of the in-person experience and being left out of the big picture plan.

Jack Fry's Restaurant, a Louisville institution since 1933, issued a detailed response expressing both support for the sport's growth and concern about the impact on local traditions. The restaurant emphasized that the Kentucky Oaks has long been a highlight for the local community, serving as "a day dedicated to the people of Louisville."

"With the new, later post time, we're already seeing a shift in dining patterns, with many guests delaying or skipping their reservations altogether," the restaurant stated. "The economic ripple effect is undeniable, especially as we've already seen significant changes in the past few years."

The establishment noted that Churchill Downs' move toward a more captive audience model, including food and beverage inclusivity for ticket-holders, has also impacted local restaurants' share of Derby weekend business. These changes, combined with staffing challenges and dining revenue declines, are creating additional pressure on the hospitality sector.

Moving forward, the restaurant called for a collaborative approach to ensure that changes benefit the entire hospitality sector. "We hope that, as the Kentucky Oaks evolves, the broader hospitality community will be part of that conversation to ensure that these changes benefit everyone. We'd be honored to collaborate with you to keep the Derby's traditions strong and inclusive for years to come", the restaurant wrote on social media.

The Kentucky Oaks is set for May 2nd, 2025.

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