Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is a place full of history and tradition, yet when you go there to watch a race, you feel at home and you can have fun. It's quite the place. And since the renovation, it's a nicer place, too. Of course if you're going to go, it's best during Derby. But there are races at other times throughout the year as well. They are just as fun, if not as prestigous and well known. more

Churchill Downs is a horse racing fans dream! With all of the tradition of the Twin Spires and the Kentucky Derby, I would say that Churchill just may be one of the most famous horse racing tracks in the United States. The track has also just completed a major renovation. They offer a spring and fall meet for racing. If you are in town during one of their off times, you can still see a little bit of Churchill's history by visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is located right next to the track. more

This place is getting better all the time, and rightfully so. It's probably the most recognized place in Louisville, Ky and home to the 'Greatest 2 minutes in Sports", the Kentucky Derby. If you like to have a good time with family and friends, and maybe lay down a couple dollars, this is the place to go. It's entertaining and there's fun to be had for all, get up close and see the horses, bet a little money and see these great animals run fast around this great race track. it's went through millions of dollars in renovations in the last fews years and the place is just amazing. Go check it out for yourself. more

Churchill Downs is a must see in Louisville. Even if you don't like gambling, the grounds are fantastic and the museum is very interesting. The recent renovations make ti easier to bet and understand para mutual betting. Visit the paddock area and watch the horses being mounted before the race. Check out the historic twin spires. Go to their website and view the calendar of events... many times there are special events and giveaways. Sometimes bands will be playing in the infield. more

Home of the Kentucky Derby, the twin spires of Churchill Downs is a must see for visitors to Louisville. During racing season its a fun day out for locals and visitors alike. Recently remodeled, there are more clubhouse seats now. The paddock area affords a view of the horses and riders prior to each race. more

I surprised Amy with a trip to the Kentucky Derby. She's a horse lover (I've yet to met a girl that doesn't at least like horses) and - while I know how to spell Derby - she can recite the history of not just the 131 Run for the Roses but can gracefully explain the meaning of "Lilies for the Fillies" (hint - the day before the Derby is called the Kentucky Oaks and is all about girl horses. The Kentucky Derby was an amazing event. I've heard it called the most exciting two minutes in sports, but it had a multi-day windup that was on par with The Super Bowl. I showed up late Friday night and Amy had already had three days of partying and one day of horse racing (there's that Oaks / girl horse thing again.) Derby day started early - we left the hotel at 9am and got to Churchill Downs at 10ish in time for race 3 (of 12 - although the Derby was number 10 and we - along with everyone but the jockeys and owners of the horses in races 11 and 12 - left after race 10.) Race 10 ended at 6:15 - we were back at the hotel at 8pm for a solid 11 hours of horses, sun, 100,000 people, and lots of food and alcohol everywhere. Someone told me $1 billion traded hands yesterday - wow. The entire spectrum of America was there. Everything - you describe it - we could have found it. I'd never been to a horse track before so now I know more then I really want to about automated "wagering" machines, how odds pay out, what an "obstruction" is (my horse won race 4 but ended up showing because he bumped the horse that placed - but because I had bet my horse to show or better, I still got my payout.) You get the picture - lots of details that were - before yesterday - completely foreign to me. Amy - along with 25,000 other women - had these incredible hats on - and the horses were - BIG. I'm still scared of horses, but I can notch off another unique life experience. The Indy 500 is next. And yes - I was down for the day. more