An exciting day of horse racing
by Scott J on 7/2/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleIt’s an experience that no trip to Louisville is complete without. It’s the most storied hollowed ground in all of horse racing.
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About
About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The 147-acre venue serves as home to the annual Kentucky Derby and hosts three thoroughbred horse racing events during spring, September and other fall months. The Kentucky Derby is held on the one-mile dirt oval track, which is featured alongside a seven-furlong turf course. Over 5,000 horses cycle through Churchill Downs on a yearly basis for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and other thoroughbred races.
The legendary track is known as much for its architecture and fashion as its events. The Twin Spires towering over the grandstand is perhaps Churchill Downs' most prominent aesthetic feature. Other than the grandstand, racegoers can sit in Millionaires Row, Sky Terrace, Turf Club or Clubhouse areas. The Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with 170,000-plus spectators arriving in lavish hats, dresses and suits, adding character to a spectacle that already has the longest-running history of any continual American sporting event in history.
Churchill Downs has welcomed the Breeders' Cup World Championship, a two-day, season-ending extravaganza involving horses, jockeys, trainers and owners worldwide, on eight separate occasions.
History of Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs was built upon 80 acres purchased by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. from his uncles, Henry and John Churchill, in 1872. The debut race was held May 17, 1875, and consisted of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap. The inaugural Kentucky Derby was captured by Aristides, while Bonaventure won the first ever overall race held at the track.
Churchill Downs has always held a certain pedigree, although the track didn't turn its first profit until 1903. Eventually, in 1938, Matt Winn was named president and dedicated a committee to turn Churchill Downs into a nonprofit that donated $1.5 million over 10 years. Decades later, another substantial change took place as president Steve Sexton initiated a renovation process during the years 2002-03. In 2009, Kevin Flanery took over as president where he remained in the position until 2020.?Michael W. Anderson was named the 14th president of Churchill Downs Racetrack on December 22, 2020.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 5 out of 5 And They're Off!
by Nowhere Man 65 on 7/2/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleMy daughter & I made our second visit to Churchill Downs for the spring racing. To see the twin spires in person is an amazing blessing! And the history of all the great horses, jockeys, and trainers that have come through there is humbling. But. the best part is always seeing these great athletes do what they were made for...racing. We saw three days of exciting races. We lost a little money, but I hit the winner on the last race, which made it better. We hope to go back soon.
Rating: 2 out of 5 Great Venue / Horrible Food
by Kevin R on 7/2/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleChurchill facilities are fantastic and the Roses Lounge lives up to that reputation. The buffet was horrible, however. The flank steak and pork chops were severely overcooked and tough. The food needs to match up to the level of the facilities and the price being paid for those premium dining seats.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great staff!
by Ken on 7/2/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleEveryone knows that Churchill Downs is historic, beautiful, and a perfect venue for horse racing. However, it's most important asset is it's staff of dedicated workers who keep the facilities functional, clean, and friendly.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Day at the Downs
by Russ on 6/29/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleIt was great fun but we did find that the Stakes Tavern was different to find. Not well marked at Churchill downs.
Rating: 5 out of 5 The Mecca of Horse Racing
by Tom on 6/29/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleChurchill Downs is a place every horse racing fan should experience. The grounds are beautiful and there is so much history that it sends a chill through your body!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great day at the races
by Crg on 6/26/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleGood food, Great wait staff. My family was celebrating my granddaughters 21st bday. The entire staff came over and sang to her. A wonderful day was had by all!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Very enjoyable day!
by Kim on 6/25/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleThis was our first visit to any horse races so I didn't know what to expect. The seating was comfortable and we had very easy access to the inside facilities after each race. We didn't know much about betting but the machines were really easy to figure out. There were a lot of food & drink choices and the gift shop was nice. If you are ever in Louisville you must visit this iconic venue. Churchill Downs delivers an unforgettable experience & I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of thoroughbred racing and its historic traditions.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Exciting fun day at Churchill
by Mom on 6/17/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleWe had a great time at Stakes Tavern. Good food and drinks. Unfortunately after giving credit card at event, card was compromised. Very disappointed.
Rating: 4 out of 5 A Day at the Races
by Susan on 6/15/24Churchill Downs - LouisvilleWe loved Churchill Downs from the museum to the racing. The only thing that was bothersome was the prices for food and refreshments. Really $4 for a bottle os water is just ridiculous.