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Churchill Downs Spring Racing

Equestrian

Churchill Downs Spring Racing Tickets

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Rating: 4 out of 5 based on 357 reviews

Events125 Results

United States

About

About Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The 147-acre venue serves as home to the annual Kentucky Derby and hosts three thoroughbred horse racing events during spring, September and other fall months. The Kentucky Derby is held on the one-mile dirt oval track, which is featured alongside a seven-furlong turf course. Over 5,000 horses cycle through Churchill Downs on a yearly basis for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and other thoroughbred races.

The legendary track is known as much for its architecture and fashion as its events. The Twin Spires towering over the grandstand is perhaps Churchill Downs' most prominent aesthetic feature. Other than the grandstand, racegoers can sit in Millionaires Row, Sky Terrace, Turf Club or Clubhouse areas. The Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with 170,000-plus spectators arriving in lavish hats, dresses and suits, adding character to a spectacle that already has the longest-running history of any continual American sporting event in history.

Churchill Downs has welcomed the Breeders' Cup World Championship, a two-day, season-ending extravaganza involving horses, jockeys, trainers and owners worldwide, on eight separate occasions.

History of Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs was built upon 80 acres purchased by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. from his uncles, Henry and John Churchill, in 1872. The debut race was held May 17, 1875, and consisted of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap. The inaugural Kentucky Derby was captured by Aristides, while Bonaventure won the first ever overall race held at the track.

Churchill Downs has always held a certain pedigree, although the track didn't turn its first profit until 1903. Eventually, in 1938, Matt Winn was named president and dedicated a committee to turn Churchill Downs into a nonprofit that donated $1.5 million over 10 years. Decades later, another substantial change took place as president Steve Sexton initiated a renovation process during the years 2002-03. In 2009, Kevin Flanery took over as president where he remained in the position until 2020. Michael W. Anderson was named the 14th president of Churchill Downs Racetrack on December 22, 2020.

Reviews

Rating: 4 out of 5 based on 357 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    What a great time

    by JJ money on 6/7/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Churchill downs was a wonderful place, the drinks were great. The people were awesome. I even met my old friend plats, we got to sit in his secluded area, this old fat lady gave us no issues since I knew plats. The only thing negative I will say is one race when my horse lost by a large amount. there seemed to be a glue truck loading my horse in after he lost. Also my friend baaaady really wants to come but there seems to be a no peanut bain policy?? whats up with that?

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mr.

    by Rich on 5/31/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    First time I used it. Pretty easy, even for an old guy

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Reserved seating

    by Lauren on 5/31/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    In the past this ticketed event has been on a first come first serve basis for seating. On the website it still reflects this; the event details need to be updated to state that all seats are reserved as purchased and are NOT on a first come, first serve basis for seating. Group tickets need to be purchased together.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Food no good

    by Lolo on 5/31/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    My only complaint is the food. Definately not worth the money. We go every year but this was worst. The food was cold. The line we went in did not have burners on but didnt realize it til we already got back to our seat. Tasted like instant mashed potatoes. Desserts were only derby pie and cupcakes. No cookies. They need to have better selection!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Churchill Downs

    by Michael on 5/24/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Great afternoon- good food and service. Enjoyed watching the ponies run.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Nice Day at the Races

    by Melissa on 5/24/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Went on Preakness Day and sat in the 3rd Floor Clubhouse Boxes with some friends. Weather was lovely, atmosphere was lively with an energetic and solid crowd...and made some money! The only thing that's a little tricky is dealing with the construction of the paddock. The temporary paddock is now by the chute and most of the entrances are on the far right side of the facility, like where the first turn boxes are located. No big deal, plenty of free parking nearby and golf cart shuttles come through regularly for those who need assistance. Another fun day at Churchill Downs!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    I loved the races!

    by Mary on 5/23/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    I loved it. I will definitely be going again. It was really fun. Is there a non smoking section? I am allergic to cigar smoke and started coughing when people started smoking their cigars.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A Must if you are in Kentucky

    by Czepedafam on 5/23/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Great Experience watching powerful horses do their thing. Grounds are beautiful and everyone was very helpful for it being our first time. Food is not expensive at all and it;s Clean entertainment

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Day

    by m. S. on 5/16/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Was not as crowed as Derby day, but still a great time. Walked out ahead of the game and saw some great races. Highly recommend

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    One week AFTER Derby

    by Annie on 5/16/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We have attended races at Churchill Downs 7 to 8 times over the last 10 years. However, this is the first time we took a child under age 18 along with us. On previous trips, we always noticed that there were several things a younger child would enjoy. Walking around the historic sections of the stands, the paddock area, etc. would provide enough variety of experiences to keep our nine-year-old grandson entertained aside from just watching the races. We knew the paddock area was being redesigned, and that a new temporary paddock was set up for Derby. We incorrectly assumed that the temporary area would still be there until the new paddock was finished. So on Saturday, the only entertainment my grandchild had was the food court and watching the races and horses from a distance. Large sections of the stands were blocked off for the construction, and there was no opportunity to get close to the horses. I'm not complaining about this because I understand that construction has to take place. I just wanted to put this in a review so someone else doesn't make the same mistake I did. If you're expecting enough activity to keep a child entertained, you might want to wait until the construction is completed before attending races at Churchill Downs with children.