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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

Events114 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: 1 out of 5

    Poor Management

    by J on 5/15/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    The main entry gates were closed and they sent us to the west end (4th turn). When we got there, they said that gate was for VIP's, and they then sent us to the other end of the track (1st turn gates). We were not the only ones that had problems. Saw several older couples struggling with the long walks and confusion.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fun at the track.

    by Nacho on 7/10/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Fun atmosphere. Good food. Wonderful staff all over the Downs. Miss being able to go in gate 10.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Once in a life time visit

    by joy on 7/7/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Live in Texas and visited Louisville and Churchill Downs an historical venue. It was interesting and educational. No gambling, just appreciating beautiful horses and the excitement of the races.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Holiday at the Races

    by Flink on 7/7/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We chose to go to Churchill Downs for the 4th of July for something different. Due to the heat we opted for the lunch on air conditioned Millionaires Row. For $42 apiece we thought you couldn’t beat the price. Parking was free with a free shuttle. The buffet lunch had a variety of salads and sides. It was pretty good for the price but far from outstanding. A couple of items were cooked to death. Wagering on the races can be fun especially if you win. Unfortunately on this day we lost. Overall it was a good time and definitely something different.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Day

    by A Grissom on 7/7/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    A day at Churchill is always a good day. All the staff, from gate to waging window attendees were very friendly and helpful.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Southern Hospitality at its Finest.

    by MMGiguere on 7/5/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Southern hospitality at its finest. The staff was incredibly proactive in ascertaining that it was our first time the Downs and that my mother required additional assistance. They were quick to point out accessible entrances/pathways, where to sit in the shade on a hot day, and even brought us complimentary cold water to ensure our safety. Thank you is not enough to commend all the staff at the Downs for their dedication to hospitality. We will certainly be back.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Horse race

    by Reg on 7/5/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    First time going to Churchill Downs and loved it. I will definitely be going back.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Buffet sub-par to put it mildly

    by Horse fan on 7/5/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    The $30/per person buffet consisted of cold fries, chicken wings over cooked and hard to eat, hot dogs, grilled veggies and pasta. This is not $30 food! Very disappointed!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Not what I was expecting…

    by David A on 7/5/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Wife and I and friends traveled to Churchill Downs for a day of horse racing which included the Stephen Foster. Day at the track started well as we visited the Derby Museum. Very interesting and a great show. From there we went to our seats. We had boxes in section 317. There were no ushers were to be found. And people we’re sitting in our box. Churchill touts The large capital campaigns. But what is disappointing is how filthy dirty everything at the track is. The racing was great. Competitive quality horses. Too any small fields. Yes I will return but hope for a better experience.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Excellent customer service

    by Chris T on 7/4/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    There was a golf car that met us at our car and gave us a lift to the entrance. Everyone was super helpful for first timers like us.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Loved Churchill Downs

    by Kel on 7/4/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    I may never make it to the Kentucky Derby but spending the day at Churchill Downs on a “regular” race day was still great! We did the Backstretch Breakfast and then bought tickets to Millionaires Row. They had a buffet lunch and a great view. Would definitely recommend if you visit while they are still racing.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bucket List

    by Jess on 7/3/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    It was a bucket list for my mom to go so my sister and I picked a weekend to take her and go. We had a great time. Churchill Downs is beautiful and we had a great time!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great

    by Bruce on 7/3/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    I initially complained about mobile tickets but that worked great and the place had plenty of seating - drinks were expensive - food was good and priced okay!!! Hot hot weather was detrimental but survived!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Sunday at The Track

    by Lucky Scott on 6/29/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Really enjoyed the entire day starting with the walking tour, and finishing up with the race experience! We liked to move around during the day, and Churchill provided plenty of areas for us to do this. Our box seats were under cover from the elements, plus we loved going to the paddock to check out the next race horses. And plenty of indoor air conditioned viewing, betting, eating and drinking places to hang out at!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Absolutely A Great Day!

    by Queen of Thornes on 6/28/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    We celebrated a family reunion in the Roses Lounge at Churchill Hill Downs. It was an amazing way for 20 of us to reconnect after the last 2 1/2 years of not being together. The food and service added to a fun filled day at the races. The staff at the betting area were patient and helpful for the novices in the group. Can highly recommend this experience for a day of extraordinary family fun!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bucket List Checkoff

    by Captain Kirk on 6/27/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Attending the races and having a mint julep was indeed a bucket list item. I couldn't have been more pleased with the experience. The historic facility was beautiful. The staff we met were well trained and helpful. The thoroughbreds were spectacular. We had a delicious lunch...and actually won all of the races we wagered on. What a day!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Anniversary trip

    by D on 6/27/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    It was wonderful. 💕My husband and I experienced horse racing at Churchill Downs upfront & personal, we had fun betting on the horses and even WON. We toured some thoroughbred farms as well and even saw Kentucky Derby winners. Ticketmaster made it real easy and even sent reminders re: our events when it was time to go. 👍

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Delightful evening.

    by RTdude on 6/26/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Great evening. From easy parking to helpful employees directing us every step of the way from entrance to seating us at our table. There was no table service, but access and ordering drinks was easy and the bartender was courteous and personable. Buffet dining was well organized and good enough. Betting windows steps away and patient with novice betting. Perfect views near the finish line both inside and out. Great fun to take out of town guests.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Museum movie was good.

    by LL on 6/26/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Seeing the horses run on the official Kentucky Derby track was fun! The building is so big.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Day at the Horse Races

    by Bean on 6/25/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Fun day at Churchill Downs watching beautiful thoroughbred horses run. Lots of great seats were available for purchase. We moved from our seats close to the finish line back and forth to the paddock, where the horses were saddled and prepared for the next race. The paddock gave us a great view of the jockeys, horses and horsemen. Bright colors and shining horses.