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Churchill Downs

{{about|the racetrack|other uses|Churchill Downs (disambiguation)}}

{{Use American English|date = April 2019}}

{{Short description|Thoroughbred racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, United States}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}

{{Infobox Racecourse

| name = Churchill Downs

| logo = Churchill Downs logo.svg

| image = Churchill Downs - Louisville Kentucky.jpg

| image_size = 240px

| caption = Aerial view from east in 2018

| location = 700 Central Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky
United States

| coordinates = {{coord|38|12|11|N|85|46|12|W|type:landmark_region:US:KY|display=inline,title}}

| owner = Churchill Downs Incorporated

| channel = NBC (Kentucky Derby)

FanDuel TV

| opened = 1875

| capacity = 170,000

| coursetype = Flat
{{Convert|1|mi}}

| website = https://www.churchilldowns.com

| notableraces = {{ubl|Kentucky Derby|Kentucky Oaks|Turf Classic Stakes|Stephen Foster Stakes|Clark Stakes}}

}}

Churchill Downs is a horse racing complex in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States that hosts the annual Kentucky Derby. It opened in 1875 and was named for Samuel Churchill, whose family was prominent in Kentucky for many years.{{cite news |title=W. Christie Churchill Sinks into Last Sleep |issue=120 |publisher=Lexington Herald |date=April 30, 1913 |location=Lexington, Kentucky |page=1 |quote=[Mr. Christie Churchill] was the last surviving son of Samuel Churchill, whose family was prominent in Louisville and Kentucky for many years, and from whom Churchill Downs received its name.}} The first Kentucky Derby, a Thoroughbred sweepstakes and part of today's horse racing Triple Crown, and the first Kentucky Oaks were held in the same year. Churchill Downs has also hosted the Breeders' Cup on nine occasions, most recently on November 2 and 3, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.breederscup.com/|title=Breeders' Cup World Championships | November 4 & 5, 2022|website=breederscup.com|access-date=May 11, 2022|archive-date=May 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517032412/https://www.breederscup.com/|url-status=live}}

The racetrack is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. With the infield open for the Kentucky Derby, the capacity of Churchill Downs is roughly 170,000.{{cite web|title=Second-Highest Derby Attendance, Handle|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211485/second-highest-derby-attendance-handle|website=BloodHorse.com|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624144615/https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211485/second-highest-derby-attendance-handle|url-status=live}}

In 2009 the Horseplayers Association of North America introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred racetracks in North America, which ranked Churchill Downs number 5 on its list.

In 2014, prior to the start of their spring meet, Churchill Downs announced an increase in parimutuel takeout rates. As a result of the takeout increase, Churchill Downs ranked number 22 in that year's Horseplayers Association of North America Track Ratings.{{cite web|title=HANA 2014 Track Ratings|url=http://www.horseplayersassociation.org/sortableratings.html|publisher=Horseplayers Association of North America|access-date=May 22, 2014|archive-date=May 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522070058/http://www.horseplayersassociation.org/sortableratings.html|url-status=live}}

History

File:Horse race, Churchill Downs 2008-04-18.jpgs competing]]

The track is named for John and Henry Churchill, who leased {{convert|80|acre|ha}} of land to their nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of explorer William Clark). Clark was president of the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association, which formed in 1875. His father-in-law, Richard Ten Broeck, was a horse breeder and trainer, and introduced Clark to horse racing, attending the English Derby at Epsom Downs outside London. File:Churchill Downs 1901.jpg

Churchill Downs filled a void in Louisville left by the closing of Oakland and Woodlawn, two earlier race courses. The then-rural location was along Louisville and Nashville Railroad tracks, allowing for easy transport of horses. Clark, who preferred longer races to the relatively short ones that had become popular by the 1890s, was running short of funds, and in 1894 sold the track to a syndicate led by William E. Applegate.{{Cite news|title=A New Deal|date=August 7, 1894|work=The Courier-Journal}} The new ownership instituted changes, such as commissioning the twin spire grandstand in 1895, shortening the length of the signature race to its modern {{convert|1+1/4|mi|km|1}} in 1896, and adorning the winner of the Derby with a garland of roses, a tradition that also began in 1896.{{Cite book|title=Churchill Downs, A Documentary History of America's Most Legendary Race Track|last=Thomas|first=Samual|publisher=Kentucky Derby Museum|year=1995|isbn=0-9617103-2-2|location=Louisville, Kentucky|pages=94–101}}

File: stands of Churchill Downs 1951.jpg executive and noted horse-racing enthusiast Willard F. Jones (second from left) in the stands as they were in 1951]]

In early 1902, Applegate, who had made his fortune as a bookmaker, turned over the day-to-day operation of the track to Charles F. Grainger, then the mayor of Louisville, in an effort to move Churchill Downs away from being primarily known for gambling. Among the new people Applegate brought on board to help him run the track was Col. Matt Winn of Louisville. Churchill Downs prospered and the Kentucky Derby then became the preeminent stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses in North America.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

During that early period, a new clubhouse was built in order to promote social interaction and new events such as steeplechases, automobile races and band concerts. The State Fair was held on the grounds, featuring the odd spectacle of two locomotives being intentionally crashed head-on in the infield.

File:University of Louisville marching band, Churchill Downs Twin Spires.jpg in the foreground—during the 2006 Kentucky Derby]]

On June 5, 1907, African American jockey James Lee set a record that has never been beaten when he won the entire six-race card at Churchill Downs.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In 1908, parimutuel betting machines were introduced as gambling began to be less controversial again, and the wagering portion of the track's business became more profitable. Since then Churchill has expanded beyond traditional horse racing and has moved into online betting, and racing machines.{{cite journal |last=Gupta |first=Mahesh |last2=Ferko |first2=William |year=2023 |title=Adapting to Win: Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New Era of Entertainment and Betting |url=https://thesportjournal.org/article/adapting-to-win-churchill-downs-incorporated-and-the-new-era-of-entertainment-and-betting/ |journal=The Sport Journal |access-date=2025-04-28}}

Churchill Downs was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

On Friday, June 19, 2009, Churchill Downs hosted its first-ever night race with an attendance of over 27,000.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Churchill Downs ventured into the music business, organizing the inaugural HullabaLOU Music Festival, held on the weekend of July 23–25, 2010. The track had planned to make this an annual event to compete with other summer music festivals. HullabaLOU attracted 78,000 people but that fell short of the more than 100,000 expected by the company. The company attributed this to the brutal heat, but others cited high ticket prices in a poor economy. The entertainment division lost more than $5 million in its first year and was discontinued.{{cite web|title=Churchill scraps HullabaLOU music fest, dissolves entertainment group|url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44052945.html|website=kentucky|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628105313/http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44052945.html|url-status=live}}

File:Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.jpg.]]

On Wednesday, June 22, 2011, an EF2 tornado hit the Louisville area, striking the stables and chapel at Churchill Downs, at EF1 intensity.{{cite web|title=June 22, 2011 Storm Damage Survey|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=lmk&storyid=69971&source=0|publisher=NWS Louisville|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628034013/http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=lmk&storyid=69971&source=0|url-status=live}} Several stables were badly damaged, as was the chapel. Over 200 horses had to be evacuated from the damaged stables and be relocated to other stables that were not damaged by the tornado. The tornado did not cause any damage to the twin spires or the clubhouse.{{cite news|last=Lovan |first=Dylan |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/race/7624156.html |title=Tornado strikes Kentucky Derby's historic home |work=Houston Chronicle |date=June 23, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624173858/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/race/7624156.html |archive-date=June 24, 2011 }}

Thurby is a portmanteau for Thursday plus Derby, and this name for the Thursday racing in Derby week has been recognized by Churchill Downs since 2014.{{cite web

|date = May 2, 2016

|author = Grace Schneider

|url = http://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2016/05/02/thurby-now-derby-favorite-locals/82981214/

|title = Oaks, Derby too crowded, expensive? Try #Thurby

|work = Courier Journal

|quote = In the last three years, Churchill Downs has made a...push...to give Thursday a shot...[as a] less expensive day to pair with the marquee racing dates [Oaks and Derby].

|access-date = September 15, 2016

|archive-date = January 26, 2024

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240126015125/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2016/05/02/thurby-now-derby-favorite-locals/82981214/

|url-status = live

}}

In June 2023, following the investigation by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority over twelve horse fatalities since April 27, 2023, Churchill Downs transferred its spring-summer racing meet to Ellis Park Race Course in Henderson, Kentucky while it re-evaluated its safety measures.{{cite news |last1=Holton |first1=Brooks |last2=Kuzydym |first2=Stephanie |last3=Lindskog |first3=Chad |title=Horse racing suspended at Churchill Downs: Here's what to know about move to Ellis Park |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2023/06/03/churchill-downs-spring-meet-horse-races-at-ellis-park-what-to-know/70283477007/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=Courier Journal |date=June 3, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126015134/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2023/06/03/churchill-downs-spring-meet-horse-races-at-ellis-park-what-to-know/70283477007/ |url-status=live }}

=Graded events=

The following Graded events were held at Churchill Downs in 2024 and 2025.

Grade I

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Grade II

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Grade III

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Facilities

File:Churchill downs.jpg

File:Churchill Downs, spring meet 2014.jpg

The twin spires atop the grandstands are the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and are used as a symbol of the track and the Derby. They were designed by the Louisville architectural firm D.X. Murphy & Bro. who were prolific in the city, markedly so for their philanthropic work with the Catholic Church.{{Cite web|url=https://filsonhistorical.omeka.net/collections/show/51|title=D. X. Murphy & Bro. Architectural Collection, 1854–1949 · The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects|website=filsonhistorical.omeka.net|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=December 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207221013/https://filsonhistorical.omeka.net/collections/show/51|url-status=live}} Today, Churchill Downs covers {{convert|147|acre|ha}}. The usual number of people seated at the derby is 50,000 people, though crowds can reach over 150,000 on Derby day. The dirt oval main track, on which the Derby is run, is one mile (1.6 km) in circumference and is {{convert|79|-|80|ft|m|1}} wide, with a {{convert|120|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} section for the starting gate. A turf track, inside the main track, is {{convert|7/8|mi|km}} in circumference and {{convert|80|ft|m|adj=on}} wide. The elevation of the track is approximately {{convert|450|ft|round=5}} above sea level.

From 2001 to 2005, Churchill Downs underwent a three-and-a-half year, $121 million renovation. The clubhouse was replaced, 79 luxury suites were added, and the twin spires were refurbished. One of the additions in the clubhouse was a {{convert|36|ft|m|adj=on}} mural by Pierre Bellocq depicting all 96 jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 2004. In summer 2008 the same artist added another mural depicting all of the trainers and updating the Jockey's painting, adding Calvin Borel and Edgar Prado to it. These updates are done yearly to accommodate new winning trainers and jockeys. The new design has been somewhat controversial since the new suites block full view of the spires from most angles.{{cite web|url=http://billyreedsays.com/2006/05/02/derby-has-become-a-carnival-of-the-bizarre/ |title=Derby Has Become A Carnival Of The Bizarre |publisher=Billyreedsays.com |date=May 2, 2006 |access-date=July 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508232534/http://billyreedsays.com/2006/05/02/derby-has-become-a-carnival-of-the-bizarre/ |archive-date=May 8, 2009 }}

File:2006 Breeders Cup Juvenile, Street Sense with Calvin Borel Winner-Hidden On Rail.jpg eight times during the fall meet]]

Racing at Churchill Downs occurs in three meets though for the majority of its existence there were only two meets per year. The spring meet starts one week before the Derby and continues until early July. The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Oaks is run on the Friday before the Derby. A fall meet picks up in late October and closes Thanksgiving weekend in late November. Night races were established in 2009. A third meet in September was added in 2013.

In addition to the track, clubhouse and stables, Churchill Downs also contains the Kentucky Derby Museum which focuses on the history of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. The museum also contains a number of exhibits exploring the training and racing of thoroughbred horses. It includes a 360-degree cinema that shows the short film "The Greatest Race", a documentary about the Kentucky Derby. The museum is normally open year-round.

In October 2013, Churchill Downs began installing a new, ultra high-definition video board built by Panasonic, which became operational in time for the 2014 Kentucky Derby. Called "The Big Board", it measures {{convert|171|ft}} wide and {{convert|90|ft}} high, with the bottom edge {{convert|80|ft}} off the ground, and weighs {{convert|1200000|lbs|t}}. It was constructed along the outside of the backstretch of the dirt course facing the grandstand and infield. At the time, it was the largest ultra high-definition video board ever constructed. At the same time, 750 speakers were installed around the track.{{cite web|title=How the world's largest 4K video screen infused new flair and tradition into the Kentucky Derby|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/worlds-largest-4k-video-screen-infuses-new-flair-and-tradition-into-the-140th-kentucky-derby/|website=TechRepublic|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611003540/http://www.techrepublic.com/article/worlds-largest-4k-video-screen-infuses-new-flair-and-tradition-into-the-140th-kentucky-derby/|url-status=live}}

Churchill Downs has had several renovation projects since the early 2010s. A new grandstand on the clubhouse turn, the First Turn Club, was completed and opened before the 2023 Kentucky Derby with capacity for more than 7,000 people.{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2023/04/26/new-first-turn-club-churchill-downs-kentucky-derby-photos/11744340002/|title=An inside look at the new First Turn Club at Churchill Downs|date=26 April 2023|publisher=Courier Journal|access-date=20 February 2025}} The following year, before the 150th Kentucky Derby, a new $200 million paddock was opened.{{cite news |last=Schipper |first=Joel |url=https://www.wdrb.com/derby_150/churchill-downs-reveals-200-million-paddock-expansion-project-ahead-of-kentucky-derby-150/article_b830371e-0242-11ef-8fff-f74f99cffd8b.html |title=Churchill Downs reveals $200 million paddock expansion project ahead of Kentucky Derby 150 |date=April 24, 2024 |work=WDRB |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926222814/https://www.wdrb.com/derby_150/churchill-downs-reveals-200-million-paddock-expansion-project-ahead-of-kentucky-derby-150/article_b830371e-0242-11ef-8fff-f74f99cffd8b.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2024/05/04/inside-churchill-downs-new-200m-paddock-at-kentucky-derby-150/73228977007/ |title=SEE IT: Inside Churchill Downs' new $200M paddock at Kentucky Derby 150 |date=May 4, 2024 |work=Courier Journal |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926222813/https://www.courier-journal.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2024/05/04/inside-churchill-downs-new-200m-paddock-at-kentucky-derby-150/73228977007/ |url-status=live }}This new paddock also featuring past derby winners around with the number they wore as well as the year they won.{{cite web |title=Featured Building Projects |url=https://www.churchilldowns.com/featured-building-projects/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Churchill Downs}}

In February 2025 track management announced two new projects: a reconstructed grandstand between the finish line and the First Turn Club with capacity for over 13,000 people, and new permanent structures on the infield facing the homestretch.{{cite web|url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/churchill-downs-improvement-projects-infield-seats/417-aadb2422-e1d2-4672-8eb5-c583da823f0c|title=Churchill Downs unveils major renovation projects reshaping three key areas: PHOTOS|date=20 February 2025|last1=Garcia|first1=Joseph|last2=Alonzo|first2=José|publisher=WHAS-TV|access-date=20 February 2025}} Two months later Churchill Downs announced that these construction projects, estimated to cost nearly US$1 billion, would be postponed because of "increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs" due to tariffs and trade disputes.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/horseracing/2025/04/23/kentucky-derby-churchill-downs-renovation-tariffs/83239035007/|title=Kentucky Derby site, Churchill Downs, pauses nearly $1 billion renovation, citing tariffs|date=23 April 2025|last=Anderson|first=Jason|publisher=USA Today|access-date=26 April 2025}} At the same time, management announced renovations to the Finish Line suites and Trophy Room, estimated to cost $25-30 million, that are expected to be completed before the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

People associated with Churchill Downs

{{More citations needed section|date=September 2024}}

=Chief executive officers=

From 1875 through 2019, Churchill Downs has had 12 CEOs.{{cite web |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2014/08/28/churchill-downs-inc-names-new-chief-executive/14729819/ |title=Churchill Downs Inc. Names New Chief Executive |publisher=The Courier-Journal |date=August 28, 2014 |access-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126015036/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2014/08/28/churchill-downs-inc-names-new-chief-executive/14729819/ |url-status=live }}

=Track announcers=

=TV personalities=

  • John Asher (1997–1998 the paddock show, CD Today a handicapping show 2007–2018)
  • Mike Battaglia (1997–2007 full-time, 2008–? as an occasional fill-in. Also the Tracks Morning Line Odds-Maker since 1974.)
  • Donna Barton Brothers (1999–2002)
  • Jill Byrne (2004–2007 fill-in, 2008–2014)
  • Jessica Pacheco (2007 Derby week)
  • Joanne Jones (2007 Derby week)
  • Joe Kristufek (2015–present full-time)
  • Kaitlin Free (2021–present)
  • Tony Calo (2024–present)
  • Kevin Kilroy (2024–present)

See also

{{portal|Kentucky}}

Notes

{{Reflist}}

References

  • Thomas, Samuel W. 1995. Churchill Downs:A Documentary History of America's Most Legendary Race Track
  • Schriener, Bruce. 2005. Historic track unveils $121 million facelift. Associated Press. April 28.

External links

{{commons category|Churchill Downs}}

  • {{Official website|https://www.churchilldowns.com/}}
  • [https://www.kentuckyderby.com/ Kentucky Derby website]
  • [https://www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/derby-week-events/kentucky-oaks/ Kentucky Oaks website]

{{Kentucky Derby}}

{{Churchill Downs}}

{{Louisville}}

{{Registered Historic Places}}

Category:1875 establishments in Kentucky

Category:19th-century buildings and structures in Louisville, Kentucky

Category:Churchill Downs Incorporated

Category:Horse racing venues in Kentucky

Category:Culture of Kentucky

Category:Kentucky Derby

Category:National Historic Landmarks in Kentucky

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Louisville, Kentucky

Category:Sports venues completed in 1875

Category:Tourist attractions in Louisville, Kentucky