Where Is Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs, best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks races, located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, Churchill Downs thoroughbred racetrack boasts over 147 acres of land and space for 120,000 attendees. The track is named after John and Henry Churchill, who leased 80 acres to their nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., to build the Churchill Downs racetrack.
What Races Are Run At Churchill Downs?
Some of the biggest races on the horse racing calendar take place at Churchill Downs, including the Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby. One of the most popular sporting events of the year Churchill Downs betting opportunities are plentiful as sports bettors from all over the world tune in to the biggest triple crown race of the season.
Churchill Downs does not require you to be in attendance to place bets on a race. Churchill Downs online betting allows horse racing bettors to get in on all the action of the racetrack from the comfort of their home. Bettors are easily able to wager on these races at Churchill Downs betting online. Even if you don't want to place a wager, you can still watch Churchill Downs race cards online. Be sure to stay up to date with the Churchill Downs race schedule so you don't miss out on any of the most highly anticipated races of the year.
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Churchill Downs Schedule
| Date | Race | Grade | Distance | Eligible Horses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6th | Kentucky Oaks | I | 1 1/8 Miles | 3-Year-Old Fillies |
| May 6th | La Troienne | I | 1 1/16 Miles | 4-Years-Old And Up Fillies & Mares |
| May 6th | Alysheba | II | 1 1/16 Miles | 4-Years-Old And Up |
| May 7th | Kentucky Derby | I | 1 1/4 Miles | 3-Year-Olds |
| May 7th | Turf Classic | I | 1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | 4-Years-Old And Up |
| May 7th | Churchill Downs | I | 7 Furlongs | 4-Years-Old And Up |
| May 7th | Derby City Distaff | I | 1 Mile | 4-Years-Old And Up Fillies And Mares |
| May 7th | Pat Day Mile | II | 1 1/8 Miles | 3-Year-Olds |
| July 2nd | Stephen Foster | II | 1 1/8 Miles | 4-Years-Old And Up |
| July 2nd | Fleur de Lis | II | 1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | 4-Years-Old And Up Fillies & Mares |
| August 13th | Arlington Million | I | 1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | 3-Years-Old And Up |
| August 13th | Beverly D. | I | 1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | 3-Years-Old And Up Fillies & Mares |
| August 13th | Secretariat | II | 1 Miles (Turf) | 3-Year-Olds |
How Old Is Churchill Downs?
Being a mainstay in the horse racing world for well over a century, many often wonder when was Churchill Downs built?Churchill Downs Kentucky first opened its doors in 1875 with Clark the president of the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association at the time. Churchill Downs was established at the perfect time, replacing two Louisville racecourses that were closed down shortly before. The track has since been sold to a group of businessmen who eventually established Churchill Downs Incorporated, which has its name attached to a number of high-profile gaming properties to this day.
The iconic twin spires design located on the grandstand were commissioned in 1895, while owned by William Applegate. Designed and built by Joseph Dominic Baldez, the twin spires have become one of the most recognizable architectural structures in horse racing.
In the spring of 1985, the Kentucky Derby Museum opened its doors on the Churchill Downs property. This museum is great for those who love Churchill Downs horse racing or horse betting. Interactive tours of Churchill Downs are a fantastic experience for those who want to see and learn all the historic track has to offer.
Guests that go on Churchill Downs tours, explore the venue and view all exhibits, including interactive ones where guests can place faux bets and watch a race. The Churchill Downs gift shop is full of great keepsakes and opportunities to take memorable photos.
In the following year, Churchill Downs was officially recognized as a historic landmark within the United States and is now promoted and cherished by many as an example of American history & culture. Between 2001 and 2005 Churchill Downs went through a $121-million renovation – which included refurbishing the twin spires, a new clubhouse and the addition of 79 luxury suites, all while preserving the history and feel of the venue.
How Long Is Churchill Downs Racetrack?
Known as the world most famous racetrack, Churchill Downs Racecourse is a one-mile long, oval, dirt racetrack. Originally, for the Kentucky Derby the track was run for one-and-a-half miles, but in 1896 was changed to its current length of one-and-a-quarter miles.
More About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs offers many unique opportunities for the public including the chance to join the Churchill Downs Racing Club. This allows you to become a race horse owner, without having to take-in the multitude of stressors and risks that can be associated with the sport. This is a testament to the incredible undertaking and promotion of horse racing at Churchill Downs that keeps the sport as illustrious as the venue itself.
The hospitality provided by Churchill Downs, especially during the Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby, is top-notch. Everything from their tour guides, staff, the buffet, all the way down to the mint juleps are always fantastic. Churchill Downs is a must-see for any horse racing or Kentucky Derby fan!
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Churchill Downs FAQ
Why Is The Racetrack Called Churchill Downs?
The racetrack is called Churchill Downs after John and Henry Churchill, who leased 80 acres to their nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., to build the Churchill Downs racetrack. Churchill Downs opened their doors in 1875 and has been a mainstay in horse racing ever since. Churchill Downs is the coup de grace in the horse racing world and is poised to continue being so into the future.
How Long Is Churchill Downs Track?
Known as the world most famous racetrack, Churchill Downs Racecourse is a one-mile long, oval, dirt racetrack. Originally, for the Kentucky Derby the track was run for one-and-a-half miles, but in 1896 it was changed to its current length of one-and-a-quarter miles and has been that way ever since.
Is Churchill Downs The Same As Kentucky Downs?
Although they are both thoroughbred horse racing tracks within the state of Kentucky, Churchill Downs and Kentucky Downs are not the same. Churchill Downs is located in Louisville and Kentucky Downs is in Franklin. There are three other racetracks within Kentucky that you can bet at with any reputable racebook.
