Churchill Downs is one of the world’s most iconic horse racing venues. Situated in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs has a long and prestigious history, having hosted the famed Kentucky Derby since 1875.
Today, Churchill Downs racecourse continues to be a major force in American horse racing, staging some of the country’s most popular and prestigious races. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Churchill Downs, from its rich history and heritage to the top races that are held there today.
Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky, just south of downtown Louisville. The area around Churchill Downs is known as Churchill Downs-Thornton and is home to many horse racing-related businesses. The track itself is situated on 147 acres of land.
The Twin Spires, perched atop the Grandstand, is the most notable building on the grounds of Churchill Downs, which was originally erected on 80 acres and has now expanded to approximately 147 acres. These were added in 1895 and have grown to be the most recognisable representation of Churchill Downs.
The main race track at Churchill Downs is 1 1/4 miles long and is oval-shaped with a dirt surface. There are two turf courses at Churchill Downs – the Matt Winn Turf Course and the theoretically shorter Kentucky Derby Turf Course. The Matt Winn Turf Course is approximately 1 mile long, while the Kentucky Derby Turf Course is 1 1/4 miles in length, and both are used for major stakes races throughout the year.
The track can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators and has a seating capacity of over 17,000 in the covered Grandstand. The track’s infield is open to the public on Kentucky Derby day and provides a great view of the races and the world-famous Twin Spires.
Churchill Downs has a rich history and heritage, having been host to some of the most iconic moments and horses in horse racing history. The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious race which is held at Churchill Downs and is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports.” The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile long race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses and is held annually on the 1st Saturday of May. The purse for the Kentucky Derby is currently $3 million.
The Kentucky Oaks is another major race held at Churchill Downs and is the premier race for three-year-old fillies in North America. The Kentucky Oaks is 1 1/8 miles long and is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. The current purse for the Kentucky Oaks is $1.25 million.
The Kentucky Derby is not the only prestigious race held at Churchill Downs – other notable races include the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the Stephen Foster Handicap, and the Louisville Handicap.
Whether you’re a horse racing fan or not, visiting Churchill Downs is a truly unique experience. If you’re in Louisville, Kentucky, be sure to add Churchill Downs to your list of places to visit. You won’t be disappointed!
Who provided the land for the Kentucky Derby?
Meriwether Lewis Clark, a well-known Louisville resident who founded the Louisville Jockey Club, started the Kentucky Derby. On land rented from two relatives, John and Henry Churchill, Clark started building the racetrack in 1874.
Does Churchill Downs have a synthetic track?
Churchill Downs Inc. now owns and operates 3 of the 5 synthetic racetracks in North America after purchasing Turfway Park.
How many tracks does Churchill Downs own?
Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Association track in Lexington, Latonia Race Track, and Douglas Park in Louisville are the four principal tracks in the state it purchased. In contrast to the Lexington track, sold to a group of neighbourhood businesses in 1923, Douglas Park was shut down and subsequently donated to the American Legion.
What is the value of a Kentucky Derby champion horse?
More than half of the $3 million prize goes to the winning owner. The second-placed horse receives $600,000, followed by third’s $300,000, fourth’s $150,000, and fifth’s $90,000.
Why is Churchill Downs referred to as Churchill Downs?
It was formally inaugurated in 1875, the same year it hosted the inaugural Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. The route bears the names of John and Henry Churchill, who leased their nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., 80 acres of land.
How deep is the sand at Churchill Downs?
According to Churchill Down’s website, it has a 1-mile oval track with a “25-foot sandy loam sub-base topped with a 12-inch clay base.”
Does Churchill Downs own the Rivers Casino?
On July 18, 2011, Rivers Casino opened its doors. Churchill Downs Inc. controls most of it (62%), and Rush Street Gaming (38%), a minority shareholder, is in management.
When was the last time Churchill Downs had a major renovation?
The last significant Churchill Downs renovations took place in 2005 and cost $121 million. These upgrades included the construction of a new clubhouse, the addition of permanent seating in the infield, and the installation of a video board.
Churchill just unveiled a $45 million makeover with a 95-foot bar in preparation for Derby. At the renowned racetrack, thousands of bleacher seats have been replaced by an all-inclusive club.
