ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS

THE WORLD'S MOST LEGENDARY RACETRACK®

In 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened its gates in Louisville, and began its tradition as “Home of the Kentucky Derby”. The Derby is now the longest continually running sporting event in America and is known as the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in Spring, September and Fall. The racetrack occupies 175 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven-furlong turf racecourse. The backside barns located behind the racetrack house more than 1,400 horses each year. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continually at Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875. In addition, Churchill Downs Racetrack has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championship eight times.

Over the course of three centuries, the track has completed several massive renovation projects to modernize its venerable grandstand and clubhouse and to accommodate its more than 165,000 guests on Kentucky Derby Day. Modernization projects have included the construction of private luxury suites and integrated simulcast areas, the installation of permanent lights to operate night-time race programs, and building The Big Board – the world’s largest 4k video screen. The Twin Spires that sit atop the grandstands remain the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and serve as a symbol of the racetrack. The spires were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez and were built in 1895 – they shine across the world’s most legendary racetrack each night.