How tariffs are affecting the Kentucky Derby

Uncertainty over the economy due to President Donald Trump’s oscillating tariff policies looms large over America’s longest running sporting event.

There are no sure things on the Churchill Downs racetrack — and this year, there are few sure things around the track as well.

Uncertainty over the economy due to President Donald Trump’s oscillating tariff policies looms large over America’s longest running sporting event and the most exciting two minutes in sports — the Kentucky Derby.

The track itself has put some projects on hold.

“Uncertainty is a theme out there in the American economy, and that’s one we pay attention to,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs. “So we did pause our $900 million construction project primarily, and mostly because we weren’t sure what things were going to cost. And whenever you build something, you’ve got to be very careful on the cost side.”

Churchill Downs announced last week it was pausing a major renovation project it had announced in February due to the uncertainty in the economy and Trump’s tariffs. The racetrack had planned to debut these renovations during the next year’s racing season, including more than 20,000 new seats, 36 luxury suites and upgrades to the infrastructure. But the higher price of steel — crucial to construction — and supply chain interruptions, created a “double whammy” for Churchill Downs.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/tariffs-are-affecting-kentucky-derby-rcna204533

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