About Churchill Downs

Home of the Kentucky Derby

The Churchill Downs Race Track, located in south Louisville, is arguably the most well known Thoroughbred horse racing track in the world. The twin spires atop the grandstands are the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and are widely considered the symbol of the Derby. They were built in 1895. Churchill Downs Inc., the owner and operator of the horse racing track, lists the maximum occupancy of the facility at 50,000. However, on Derby Day, numbers can top 150,000.

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Churchill Downs Race Track History

The Churchill Downs Race Track was developed by Col. M. Lewis Clark in order to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry. While the first reference of Churchill Downs came in 1883, the horse racing track was made famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Today, Churchill Downs has expanded to 147 acres. It has also hosted the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup on six occasions. In 2009, the Horseplayers Association of North America introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred horse racing tracks in North America. The Churchill Downs Race Track was ranked #5 on this list.

Churchill Downs Race Track Details

Churchill Downs’ main dirt track is one mile in circumference, roughly 80 feet wide, with a 120-foot-wide section for the starting gate. A secondary turf track, inside the main dirt track, is 7/8 of a mile in circumference and roughly 80 feet wide.

In addition to the horse racing track, clubhouse, and stables, a main attraction of Churchill Downs is the museum, which highlights the history of the area. It features a number of exhibits that explore the training and racing of thoroughbred horses and 360° cinema that shows "The Greatest Race," a documentary about the Derby.

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Address

700 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40208