Welcome to Churchill Downs—the beating heart of American horse racing and home to the most famous two minutes in sports: the Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re placing your first bet, planning a visit to the Twin Spires, or just love the thrill of big race days, this guide will get you up to speed on everything Churchill Downs.
Written by the racing nerds at Horse.bet—no fluff, just straight talk, tips, and track facts.
Where Is Churchill Downs?
You’ll find Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, just south of downtown. It’s been part of the city’s soul since 1875, and yeah, it’s that old—but still buzzing with life every spring and fall meet.
Churchill Downs is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), a publicly traded company on NASDAQ.
CDI also owns:
- TwinSpires (its betting app)
- Arlington Park (now closed)
- Fair Grounds (New Orleans)
- Presque Isle Downs (PA)
They’ve shifted toward gaming and betting tech in recent years—but the Derby remains their crown jewel.
Major Races at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby
Held every first Saturday in May, the Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown—and easily the most-watched horse race in America.
- Purse: $3 million
- Distance: 1¼ miles
- Betting Volume: Over $180 million (2024 figure)
- Dress Code: Wild hats strongly encouraged
Kentucky Oaks
Held the Friday before the Derby and focused on 3-year-old fillies.
Other notable races:
- Stephen Foster Stakes
- Clark Stakes
- La Troienne Stakes
- Breeders’ Cup (hosted in 2022, 2018)
How to Bet on Churchill Downs Races
Churchill Downs has on-site windows and self-service machines throughout the track. Just bring cash or use a voucher from a previous bet.
Online Betting Sites:
You can legally bet on Churchill races through the following sites:
| Site | Bonus Offer | Watch Live? |
|---|---|---|
| TwinSpires | $200 bonus for new users | ✅ Yes |
| FanDuel Racing | $20 no sweat first bet | ✅ Yes |
| TVG | $200 sign-up bonus | ✅ Yes |
| Amwager | $150 Bonus Bets | ✅ Yes |
*Terms apply. Always check site promotions and location restrictions.
For Derby Day, betting pools are massive. Look for value in exotics (exactas, trifectas) and avoid chasing the favorite unless the odds make sense.
Churchill Downs is part racetrack, part Southern spectacle. It’s got history in every corner, especially on big race days.
Admission:
- General Admission: $10–$30 on regular days, more on Derby weekend
- Reserved Box Seats: From $75+
- VIP Packages: Private dining, clubhouse access, rooftop views available (if you’re feeling fancy)
Best Views:
- Stretch run seats for photo finishes
- Paddock area for pre-race buzz
- Infield for the party atmosphere (warning: it gets rowdy)
What to Eat:
Don’t miss out on a mint julep, the track’s signature bourbon cocktail. There are food trucks, sit-down dining, and plenty of grab-and-go snacks on Derby Day.
What’s New at Churchill Downs?
- $200M+ in renovations near the paddock and new luxury seating
- Improved betting kiosks and cashless options
- New walkways and shaded areas for better crowd flow
Attached to the track, the Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-see for any racing fan. Tickets run around $18–$20 and include guided tours of the paddock and grandstand.
Churchill Downs Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Opened | 1875 |
| Owned By | Churchill Downs Inc. |
| Surface | Dirt + Turf |
| Race Type | Thoroughbred |
| Major Race | Kentucky Derby |
| Seating Capacity | ~150,000 (Derby Day) |
| Season | Spring + Fall Meets |
| Nearby Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali Intl |
How to Watch Churchill Downs Races
Live Streams:
- TwinSpires – Free with account
- TVG – Premium broadcast with expert picks
- FanDuel TV – Includes Derby coverage
- NBC Sports – Airs the Kentucky Derby nationally
Race Replays:
- Available on TwinSpires, YouTube, or the Churchill Downs site the same day
Churchill Downs Betting Tips from Horse.bet Experts
- Track Bias: Churchill can favor early speed on the dirt, especially at shorter distances. Turf sprints often go to outside posts.
- Trainer Trends: Watch out for Brad Cox, Steve Asmussen, and Wesley Ward—they dominate Derby week.
- Derby Angle: The favorite doesn’t always win. Only 10 of the last 30 favorites have come out on top.
- Weather Watch: Rain can slow things down—look for mudders and scratch notices.
Churchill Downs Racing Calendar 2026
| Month | Meet/Event |
|---|---|
| April | Spring Meet begins |
| May | Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby |
| June | Stephen Foster Stakes |
| September | Fall Meet begins |
| November | Clark Stakes |
👉 Derby 2026 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Why Churchill Downs Is Still the King
You can call it the “Track of the Century,” the “Home of the Derby,” or just a really fun place to bet on horses. Churchill Downs has earned its spot as the most famous racetrack in America.
Whether you’re in the grandstand sipping a julep or watching online from your couch, you’re part of a racing tradition nearly 150 years in the making.
Looking to bet the Derby? Check out our full Kentucky Derby Betting Guid
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