TruGreen partners with Churchill Downs for third year

For the third year in a row, Churchill Downs is partnering with TruGreen to ensure the grass track is in top shape for the Kentucky Derby, which will be held May 4.

TruGreen treats the turf track, located just inside the dirt track. Though not run on during the Kentucky Derby, the seven-furlong grass track is available for races throughout the year.

According to Mark Rollman, TruGreen region commercial sales manager, South Central region, “TruGreen is part of the team that treats several high-profile areas of turf at Churchill Downs. One of the most high-profile areas we assist with is the turf track that sits right inside the dirt track. Churchill Downs typically runs two to three races per race day on the turf surfaces throughout the year.”

“The turf at Churchill Downs is actually a combination of many different grasses,” Rollman added. “It started off as a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Kentucky 31 Fescue which over the years has been blended with other grasses such as Turf Type Tall Fescue. “We also assist with treating the famous turf at Aristides Garden and in the Paddock, where the horses are saddled just before the Kentucky Derby and other major races. Our team helps maintain the high-profile turf inside and outside the facility and provides vegetation control in the parking lots/cracks and crevices.”

TruGreen also manages several other landscaped areas of Churchill Downs including the Paddock, where horses are prepared prior to major race and Aristides Garden, which honors past and present racers. TruGreen treats areas around Churchill Downs were weeds might grow and create structural instability in walls and walkways.