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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

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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

    Great Day

    by MER on 7/2/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Everything about the Stakes Room at Churchill was terrific! The buffet, bar, service, view, and convenient betting window all were wonderful!

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Historic Racetrack-Poor Handicap Accessibility

    by C. on 6/30/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Churchill Downs is a historic racetrack. It provided for a fun evening of horse racing. The staff went out of their way to be helpful. Unfortunately, getting to the reserved box seats with a wheelchair was a challenge. Evidently, there is only one elevator that provides access to a ramp that goes to the ADA sections; however, all the ushers we asked directed us to the clubhouse elevator. We could not get to our seats though because there were only stairs. In our quest to find the ramp, we were told we took the wrong elevator and the only way to access the ramp was to go back down to the paddock and take the elevator that led to the ramp. Now my friend is not totally wheelchair bound, so he managed to climb the stairs with the help of some helpful strangers, so we did not have to go in search of the correct elevator. Nevertheless, I went in search of the ramp so I could see where we went wrong only to find that there was no access from this ramp to the clubhouse. It only led to an ancient service elevator in a concrete room. There was no access to the food, bathrooms or wagering; so while he could go down to the ground floor under the stands via the elevator if he wanted to bet, eat or use the restroom, he did not have the opportunity of easy proximity as any non handicapped person. Despite the challenges, we had a good time. All the staff were very helpful. I just do not know why Churchill Downs could not create a ramp out of at least one of the many sections of stairs in the clubhouse area so a handicapped person does not feel like they are not the same as everyone else.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Amazing

    by Megaan on 6/26/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Absouletly amazing! We made the out of town trip here and well worth it! We had an amazing time! Thank you!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Super Awesome

    by LaurenP on 6/26/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Coming to Churchill Downs and seeing a race has been on my bucket list for a long time now. Being a big fan of the Kentucky Derby, this place was a must-visit. I was all-smiles the entire time. I also visited the museum. I loved every minute of it and will be back for sure.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    CHURCHILL DOWNS

    by VAL on 6/19/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    WE HAD A FANTASTIC TIME. WE TOOK OUR 9 YO GRANDSON BUT WE DIDN'T BET ON THE RACE WE JUST PICKED OUR WINNERS!!! i PICKED UP THE TICKETS AT WILL CALL AND IT WAS EASY AND QUICK, THANKS!!!

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    The WORST buffet ever!

    by Lee on 6/19/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Millionaires row 4th floor. Room was nice, service good, cash bar not good small selection weak drinks for the money. The biggest disappointment was the buffet. REALLY CHURCHILL! I have been taking my father here for 10 years for fathers day I wont be back! We stopped at McDonald's on the way home at least the food was edible.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fun time!

    by Laura14812 on 6/19/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Wasn’t too crowded and we were able to move to an even more comfortable seating spot. The combo was great my dad really enjoyed the hot dogs and the free beers! I had 2 kids under 5 with me and even they had fun and had enough space to move around

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Horse Racing at Churchill Downs

    by Jay. on 6/19/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Fathers Day at Churchill Downs was great. Food was excellent in Roses Lounge. Chef did a great job with the buffet. Having a couple of races that was not impossible to handicap added to the day also.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great fun

    by DMD on 6/19/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We (4) had a fantastic time at Churchill Downs "Downs after Dark" on Saturday, June 15, 2019. We had tickets in Millionaire Row (4th floor) that included the buffet. For each race, fans go out on the balcony and cheer their horse to victory. A great night of racing. This night at Churchill Downs had a New Orleans theme, therefore included jazz band and a Mardi Gras decor. General admission tickets would be a blast also, with the party atmosphere and great racing to experience. The workers were very cordial and helpful. I highly recommend "Downs after Dark".

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Love it

    by Debbie on 6/18/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We had a great time great food and great racing. We were on a 2 week driving vacation my husband and I both say this was the best day of our vacation.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Best Night Ever

    by Churchill After Dark on 6/18/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We went to Downs After Dark and had the best time. We will definitely go again!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wonder venue

    by Jackie T on 6/17/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    All employees are very friendly and helpful. They all go beyond to guide and help you in anyway. Definitely a place to go!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Stake and Eggs

    by Bob on 6/12/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Sunday we went to Stake and Eggs in the Stakes Room at Churchill Downs. It was great excellent seats walk outside and you are looking down at the Finish Line. Food was fantastic as was the service. I would recommend this highly whether you are a horse racing fan or not.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Good fun

    by Rhonda on 6/8/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Racing is always good. Only thing to improve would be the food. Need a better variety of normal food.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Day at the Races

    by kygirl2019 on 6/8/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We had out of town guests that we took to the lunch/race. All had a GREAT time. The food was good and had easy access to the outside. Would definitely recommend!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great way to spend a day at the horse track!

    by R. G. on 6/7/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We attended the steak and egg brunch , the horse races, and Kentucky Derby Museum. The track grounds and facility were in great shape. The food was good. There was 8 of us had a good time. Even survived a heck of a rain storm.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Sunday Funday at Churchill Downs millionaire row

    by N. H. on 6/6/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Our experience that day was incredible! The sun was shining, horses were racing and people were having fun. The staff from the gate to our table and everywhere in between were amazing. Friendly, helpful and smiling. Our food was great, service was over the top! Our waitress Sheila was seriously top notch! She made our experience even better.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Excellent seats

    by C. C. on 6/6/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We had an exceptional time. The atmosphere was great!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wow

    by CD on 6/6/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Already bought tickets to come back later this month with my wife. Very impressed with the environment and hospitality.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bucket List

    by C. S. on 6/5/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    From walking into the gate to seeing the paddock, the track and the Derby Circle just gave me chills. Finally seeing something that has such history was beyond expectations. I love that they have kept the grandstands old school, no TV’s just seats and racing. Food selection was a little limited, but was good. Was a little disappointed in the Derby Museum, there had been so much hype about it that I had very high expectations. The walking tour was good but too crowded would have been better with a smaller group.