Churchill Downs: Home of the Kentucky Derby

The History of Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is a horse racing complex located on Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is famed for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious horse race in the United States and the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Churchill Downs also hosts several other major horse races throughout the year, including the Kentucky Oaks, the Clark Handicap, and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Churchill Downs was founded in 1875 by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. and opened its gates for the first time on May 17, 1875. The first Kentucky Derby was run at Churchill Downs in 1875, and the race has been held there every year since.

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4-mile race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is run on the first Saturday in May each year at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious horse race in the United States and is known as "The Run for the Roses" because the winner is draped in a blanket of roses.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. It attracts a crowd of over 150,000 people each year and is broadcast to millions more around the world.

Other Races at Churchill Downs

In addition to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs hosts several other major horse races throughout the year, including the Kentucky Oaks, the Clark Handicap, and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Kentucky Oaks is a 1 1/8-mile race for three-year-old fillies. It is run on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby and is known as "The Run for the Lilies" because the winner is draped in a blanket of lilies.

The Clark Handicap is a 1 1/8-mile race for horses three years old and up. It is run on the Saturday after the Kentucky Derby and is one of the most prestigious handicap races in the United States.

The Breeders' Cup Classic is a 1 1/4-mile race for horses three years old and up. It is run on the first Saturday in November each year at Churchill Downs and is the culminating race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Visiting Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is open to the public for guided tours and as a host of events year-round. Tours of the facility are available daily and include a visit to the paddock, the starting gate, and the winner's circle. Churchill Downs also offers a variety of event spaces for rent, including the Grandstand, the Clubhouse, and the Paddock.