Churchill Downs Racetrack’s cover photo
Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs Racetrack

Spectator Sports

Louisville, KY 8,769 followers

About us

Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789, when the first race course was constructed in Lexington. Almost 100 years later, in 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened its gates in Louisville, and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby" and the longest continually running sporting event in America. The World's Most Legendary Racetrack® Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously 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.

Industry
Spectator Sports
Company size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Louisville, KY
Type
Public Company
Specialties
thoroughbred racing

Locations

Employees at Churchill Downs Racetrack

Updates

  • The infield experience at Churchill Downs is about to get a major upgrade that will create a more electrifying Derby Day atmosphere than ever before. Everything you need to know about the revamped infield 👇 The iconic Churchill Downs infield, known for its energetic Derby Day atmosphere, will undergo a transformative upgrade, enhancing the infield race-day experience with three permanent Infield Terrace buildings. The new buildings are set to bring improved entertainment, amenities, and exclusive ticket upgrades for over 6,000 guests. The Infield Terraces will introduce programmed entertainment areas for live music, podcasts, or other entertainment, ensuring non-stop excitement on race day from start to finish. Starting in 2026, up to 6,000 guests can upgrade their tickets to enjoy exclusive access to the Infield Terrace rooftop. The terraces have been designed to give fans upgraded viewing from one of the three new rooftops. The rooftops will offer guests stunning views of the horses racing by, while also overlooking the vibrant entertainment spaces. Additionally, for any infield guests, the buildings will feature new: ∙ Bars ∙ Wagering locations ∙ Restrooms The first Infield Terrace building will open in 2026, and the other two will open in 2027 and 2028. These upgrades ensure every fan in the infield has an unforgettable Derby Day experience when visiting Churchill Downs.

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  • Churchill Downs is unveiling "Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good presented by Resolute Racing"—a Derby Week event dedicated to supporting local nonprofits in partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, we’re turning race day into a day of impact! Here’s how you can join the excitement and give back: ✅ Support local nonprofits – Purchase a “Winsday” box seat through one of 50 participating organizations, and Churchill Downs will donate $5 per ticket sold to that nonprofit. ✅ Unlock bonus donations – Guests who purchase a ticket through a nonprofit partner will have the chance to unlock an additional $2,000 donation for their chosen organization! ✅ Celebrate community impact – “Winsday” will shine a spotlight on the incredible work of nonprofits across the Kentuckiana region, raising funds and awareness through special race-day activations. Tickets start at just $32 and are available now! 🔗 Get your tickets and support your favorite nonprofit here: https://lnkd.in/eEEdBBnF

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  • We’re thrilled to announce that Ford Motor Company and Churchill Downs are extending our partnership through 2029, continuing Ford’s role as the exclusive automotive partner of the Kentucky Derby! As part of this renewed commitment, Ford will bring even more excitement to Churchill Downs with: 🔹 Ford First Turn Club 🔹 Enhanced Fan Engagement during Derby Week 🔹 Continued Derby & Oaks Sponsorships The 151st Kentucky Derby is set for May 3, 2025! 🌹

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  • We are honored to share that Churchill Downs has been named a finalist for two prestigious SBJ Sports Business Awards: ✨ Sports Event of the Year – The 150th Kentucky Derby ✨ Sports Venue of the Year – Churchill Downs Racetrack From the thrill of the Twin Spires to the unforgettable moments of the 150th Kentucky Derby, these nominations are a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class experiences. Thank you to our fans, partners, and dedicated team who bring the magic of Churchill Downs to life year after year. Sports Business Journal

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  • The 151st Kentucky Derby is just 50 days away! To celebrate, we’re opening the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #5 from March 14th, 12:00 pm to March 16th, 6:00 pm! Here is everything you need to know about Pool #5 👇 Kentucky Derby Future Wagers have allowed fans to get in on the Derby action early. Fans can bet on horses they believe have an opportunity to earn a spot in the starting gate and go on to win the Kentucky Derby. Out of six pools, Pool #5 is the only one to include a Kentucky Oaks Future Wager, giving fans a chance to bet early on both the Derby & Oaks. Future Wagers often offer better odds and larger payouts than if you were to bet on the same horse on race day, as the contenders for the Kentucky Derby & Oaks have yet to be finalized. For example, a $100 wager on the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner, Mage, would have paid out differently between Pool #5 and race day: • Pool #5 odds (80-1): $8,100 payout • Final odds: (15-1): $1,600 payout As we get closer to Derby Day, odds tend to fluctuate based on the results during the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Don’t miss the chance to lock in your early bets before Pool #5 closes on Sunday, March 16th at 6:00 pm! Get in on the Derby action now 👉 https://bit.ly/3tN9Q08

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  • Every year, one of the rarest trophies in all of sports is awarded at Churchill Downs for the running of the Kentucky Derby. Here’s how the one-of-a-kind trophy came to be 👇 With the race dating back to 1875, it is unclear if a trophy was presented to the first winners of the Kentucky Derby. However, one of the earliest ideas for a trophy was awarded to Ben Block, the owner of Morvich, the winning horse of the 1922 Kentucky Derby. Block was presented with a six-piece gold buffet service, including a pair of candlesticks and a loving cup. In 1923, after winning the Derby, the owners of Zev were presented with the first version of a Kentucky Derby trophy. Everything changed in 1924 when Churchill Downs Racetrack President Matt Winn commissioned a trophy design for the Kentucky Derby’s 50th Golden Anniversary. Louisville jewelers Lemon & Son collaborated with artist George Graff to create what is known today as the legendary Kentucky Derby Trophy. 100 years later, the same molds and dyes are still used to craft each trophy. Handcrafted by S.R. Blackinton, the trophy features 14-karat solid gold and is the only solid gold trophy awarded for a sporting event in North America. During anniversary years – 1949 (75th), 1974 (100th), and 1999 (125th) – special trophies were made that incorporated jewels into their design. For the 150th anniversary in 2024, the trophy was taken to the next level, featuring: • 234 rubies • 20 diamonds • 96 marquise emeralds • 36 round emeralds After 7 months and roughly 2,000 man-hours, the trophy process is completed and ready to be awarded on the first Saturday in May at the running of the Kentucky Derby.

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