THE WORLD'S MOST LEGENDARY RACETRACK®

Churchill Downs Racetrack history and tradition of Thoroughbred Horse racing.

Churchill Downs Racetrack, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is the historic home of the Kentucky Derby, America’s longest continually running sporting event. Since its gates opened in 1875, Churchill Downs has become synonymous with Thoroughbred horse racing and the enduring tradition of the 'most exciting two minutes in sports®.'

The story of Churchill Downs begins with Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition. Inspired by his travels to England’s Epsom Derby and France’s Grand Prix de Paris in 1872, Clark envisioned creating a premier horse race in the United States. He selected Louisville, a city with a rich racing history dating back to 1828, as the site for his vision. The racetrack was built on an 80-acre plot leased from Clark's uncles, John and Henry Churchill, and was named in their honor.

The inaugural Kentucky Derby took place on May 17, 1875, at a distance of 1½ miles before shortening to its current 1¼ miles in 1896. That first race drew a crowd of 10,000 spectators, setting the stage for what would become one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, now attracting more than 165,000 guests on Derby Day and millions of viewers worldwide.

Churchill Downs occupies 175 acres and features a one-mile dirt oval track, a seven-furlong turf course, and backside barns housing more than 1,400 horses annually. Over the years, the racetrack has hosted some of the sport’s most iconic events, including the Kentucky Oaks and the Breeders’ Cup World Championship, which it has held eight times.

The racetrack is also renowned for its architectural and technological innovations. The iconic Twin Spires, designed by 24-year-old draftsman Joseph Dominic Baldez in 1895, remain a beloved symbol of the track. In recent decades, Churchill Downs has undergone several modernization projects to enhance the guest experience, including the addition of luxury suites, integrated simulcast areas, and The Big Board, the world’s largest 4K video screen. Permanent lights were installed in 2010, allowing for thrilling night racing events.

Today, Churchill Downs seamlessly blends its historic legacy with modern amenities, drawing fans from around the globe to celebrate the traditions, pageantry, and excitement of Thoroughbred racing. From its storied past to its innovative present, Churchill Downs continues to shine as the crown jewel of horse racing.