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Churchill Downs
Rating Details »
Categories: Active Life, Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
700 Central AveLouisville, KY 40208
(502) 636-4400
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
29 reviews for Churchill Downs
Visited Louisville for the first time recently. Had to do the touristy stuff. We took the city bus from downtown out to Churchill Downs and toured the museum, took the basic tour the museum offers and then went over to the actual racetrack and spent some time betting on the races, people watching and having a mint julep or two. In all, a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon. A few thoughts:
- The museum staff are very, very nice. The college-aged kid who led our tour clearly loves his job and was eager to answer questions.
- The museum is nicely laid out and has all sorts of interesting exhibits and information. Even people who aren't particularly into horse racing (like myself) will find something here that intrigues them. I learned quite a bit while strolling through, and that's always a good thing.
- The basic tour offered by the museum was totally not worth it. All we did was walk out to the track, hear a few minutes of history about the grounds and then watch the first race of the day. We should have just saved our money and gone to the track on our own. The tour to take is the one that goes out to the barns, but it was sold out when we arrived. If you know when you're coming, book that tour in advance.
- There are plenty of food and drink options inside. Everyone in our group found something they liked.
- If you actually want to win money, learn a little something about horse racing before you arrive and pick up the little newspaper that has information about the horses. My super scientific method of choosing a horse based on the uniqueness of its name was not the way to go. Shocking, I know.
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I could read a racing form before I was 6 years old.
I once picked a 99 - 1 shot. The horse's name was Six Penny Lane and the jockey was the tall, lanky Donald Pierce.
I was there at Santa Anita for Johnny Longden's last race aboard a big, chestnut colored horse named George Royal. The horse closed at around 6 - 1. This was Longden's last race and I knew in my heart that George and Longden would win. The word in the grandstands, however, was that George Royal and Johnny Longden were both washed up. The race was a long one, a mile and 3/4 and on the dirt, not an easy distance for a 59 year old man to ride.
The flag was up. The buzzer sounded. The gates opened. And they were off.
George Royal broke slowly and running across the grandstands for the first time, he was in last place. Plaque, the favorite, with Bobby Ussery aboard, took the lead. Around the first turn, Longden settled on his mount and pulled on the reins and eased him alongside the inner railing. Out of the turn and into the far straightaway, George and Longden began to falter, drifting farther and farther behind the pack. At one point, they were about 15 lengths behind the leader, an almost unimaginable amount of distance to regain. George began to slowly make up ground, however, and approaching the final turn Longden maneuvered his horse to the outer part of the track. Accelerating around the turn on the outside, George made his move, moving in thunderous strides, his hoofs turning up huge clumps of dirt that flew into the air behind him. Entering the final straightaway and approaching the grandstands for the final time, Londgen shot his mount onto the middle of the track directly challenging the leaders. The roar of the crowd echoing out of the depths of the cavernous grandstands began to rise in a deafening crescendo. Passing the grandstands, George caught Plaque and they were racing neck and neck, nose to nose down the straightaway. Ussery went to the whip; Longden, as he did on all his mounts, hand-rode his horse with calm but aggressive determination. Out of nowhere, Hill Rise, the beautiful, light gray horse who placed second in the Kentucky Derby 2 years earlier, began to gain rapidly. All 3 horses surged to the tape; it was too close to call: a photo finish.
The photo finish showed that George Royal had won by a quarter of a nose. I stood there in the midst of the massive crowd, this little kid with a marked-up, thoroughly analyzed racing form crumpled in his hands, happy that I had just witnessed one of the greatest moments in horse racing history.
Here, in Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, I came to pay homage to the great Kentucky Derby winners of the past. Some of my favorite horses raced here: Man O War, Swaps, Carry Back, Citation, Count Fleet, and so on. These horses were before my time; but, I knew about them, read about them, dreamt about them, loved them, and heard about them from the track devotees throughout my childhood years.
There's something majestic and beautiful about these horses running. They have such big hearts and determination. I came here to the Downs to pay my respects.
As an adult, I've never been to a race track. I am a gambler, however, I do take big risks. But, I'd never bet on a horse or a Lotto ticket or a card game in Vegas. I don't gamble that way, that's just not me. But, I'd put my last dime on me. There's nowhere else I'd rather put the future of my dreams and visions than in my hands and in my heart.
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$70 GUIDE TO THE DERBY
The horses! The history! The hats! Indeed, there is no tradition in horse racing more storied than the Kentucky Derby and no finer way to spend the first Saturday in May.
After years of talking about going, I finally popped my Derby cherry this year and I managed to do it for about $70 with a great view of the race. Here's how I did it:
1. TRANSPORTATION - $21, Park at the Kentucky Expo center for $6 and hop on a school bus for $15 round trip. If you want, you can certainly skip the bus and walk to Churchill Downs which is 2 miles away.
2. ADMISSION - $40, I ain't no millionaire so there was no way that I was going to pay $300+ to sit in the grandstand for a 2 minute race. The $40 general admission ticket was just fine and gives you access to the infield, paddock, and grounds. I found a nice grassy spot by the first turn and was only about 20 feet from the track with an unobstructed view of the horses and the jumbo-tron by the finish line. People in seats 5 feet closer than me probably paid $800 for their tix. Suckers.
3. PROGRAMS & MINT JULEPS. If you have a Visa Signature card, bring it and you can get a program for free instead of paying $5. Mint juleps are a must and will set you back $9. I prefer the Woodford Reserve juleps to the ones made with Early Times, but if you go with the latter you'll get a free Derby glass which is a nice souvenir.
4. PEOPLE WATCHING - FREE. Camp out by the escalator heading up to millionaire's row and you'll see all sorts of celebrities, politicians, etc. Walk around the paddock to see beautiful women fresh from the tanning bed with giant hats. Finally, make your way to the infield to see rowdy kids covered in mud racing on top of port-a-potties.
The Derby is one of our country's great traditions and whether you want to go all out or do it on a budget, it's definitely worth experiencing.
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I'm a retired race horse handler; 27 years in the stables all over the country. I loved my years at Churchill Downs. Through my work I met thousands of wonderful people, hundreds of horses I adored. There's nothing quite like the stables at 5 am; the morning routines; bickering with co-workers and other stables over the merits of our charges. I handled a few champs, and many who simply were a pleasure to see each morning. Some of my favorites were nothing special; one who would steal my morning paper if I left it too close to her stall; another who loved bananas; one who would offer a slippery tongue in invitation to play tug-o-war with it.
The life is a hard one to most people, but for those who love horses, it can be a dream job. Many people don't know it, but those who travel the Churchill circuit as stable employees get medical, vision, and dental care as part of the job. Nowdays that's good as cash. I had severe culture shock when I retired and saw how much that would cost me now.
I miss the track; I miss the horses. If you go to a race again, give a smile to the people who do the hard work...not the jockeys, the trainers, the owners...we aren't the glory seekers. Often our only reward is the thrill of standing at our horse's head in the winner circle, keeping our darling steady for the photo. If they work for a good stable, the groom gets a bonus for the win, or at least the win photo is paid for. It's a hard life, but we love it.
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We did the VIP tour of Churchill Downs a week before last years derby. They took us through the VIP suites, grounds and the paddocks. We got to see Street Sense in the stall, before that horse was off to Keeneland to win me some money. Really enjoyed the behind the scenes look.
However, they lose a star for using mint syrup in my julep. I guess I'll just pay the grand and get the Uber Julep next time.
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Don't be afraid to attend races not on Derby weekend here at the downs. We recently attended "Downs after dark"
-$6 general admission
-Access to all eateries, gift shop, Paddock, etc.
-Free seating in sections 111-118 (the lower lever, finish line, middle area).
-DJs and dancing, prizes, games
-happy hour 4-8pm, $2 beer & $2 hot dogs.
We were fans. When we go again, we'll come ready to gamble and bring a group.
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For your gambling dollar at CD you get an actual chance to win based on skill and acumen (or pretty names) and a sense of culture and history. Try eking that out of a greasy slot handle at the casino.
There's nothing wrong with the neighborhood. This is a working class area, no more, no less, and patrons of CD scarcely have any contact with the neighborhood outside Derby and Oaks. If you come to the track with a sense of wonder and imagination you'll have a great time.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/7/2007
This is only the best racetrack in America for its combination of legendary atmosphere and quality… Read more »
In a spur of the moment twist, I drove down for the Kentucky Derby on Sat morning from Chicago. I have never been to a racetrack and the Derby was my first chance at doing so. I am a gambler, but never on horses. As I stood in line, I ruminated over this fact. Immediately, I had four or five people that were standing around me give advice and tips to make the most of my bets. I ended up winning on one horse (lost on a few others), but it was fun nonetheless.
I enjoyed everything about it: the tradition of being dressed up, the mint juleps (even though they tasted bad to me) and the horse racing. Overall, a great time.
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OK the Derby is a annual event, this place is improving the facility, but what a nightmare. Go to the Oaks the day before the Derby. If you attend on Mother;s Day you can sit in millionaires row for $40 and enjoy.
This race track is very old, and not in the best part of town. If it wasn't for the tradition this track would be out of business.
BTW the food is below average for what you get charged.
I quite honestly had a better time and better dining at the casino's across the river.
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Ok, I think I'm allergic to horses. But, that didn't stop me from going to the Derby and the Oaks this year. Remember, only losers add "the Kentucky" before the Derby!
I don't know if it was the handful of Benadryl mixed with gallons of mint julep, a continual flow of Chambord & Champagne, and/or the overall festive atmosphere... all I can say is, "Good times!" I had so much fun, I think I'm making it an annual tradition.
For my cherry pop, this first weekend in May, I had seats in the Grandstands. (Of course!) But, during the Oaks, I also made the rounds in the famous Infield. Wow! That place is sick (in the good, party it up like I'm still in college way). It's quite an experience. ESPN has a great article about "the infield" on Derby Day, check it out: ref: http://sports.espn.go....
Overall, GREAT EXPERIENCE. If you have the opportunity to go, don't even think.. just GO!!
=========
Update: June 6
I've just posted photos from my trip. Included is one of Big Brown and another of Eight Bells (RIP).
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I'm withholding a star, as I've only been here under the following conditions:
a) just once
b) on Derby day
c) in the infield
So, I'm guessing there's much more to Churchill Downs than what I experienced. Overall, it's a nice facility with a great history...one of America's treasures, I'd say. Just don't drink the mint julips they sell at the Early Times booths!
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It doesn't have to be Derby to enjoy Churchill Downs. Take out some cash, buy a mint julep upon arrival (just one though, they really aren't that tasty), and place your bets. This place is super fun for the whole family. You can get tickets in for $3 (slightly better ones in the shade for $10) on a Saturday, and feed the whole family for way less than a trip to the movies. Big beers are just $3 too (I mean that is less than half of the cost of a brewky at the Braves game) and if you read the betting instructions provided in the program, you might just win your money back!
Quick tip: there's a Graeter's Ice Cream located on the ground level, outside, and near the paddock. If you know what Graeter's is all about, then that's all I need to say. For the rest of you, it's a midwest ice cream institution (was really pleased to find one this far south) and you have to order an ice cream from their chip menu. That basically means it has chunks of quality chocolate in it that really take the whole ice cream experience up to a completely different level.
When you are done with your mint julep that's only mildly tasty, you'll need something else cool to keep your body temperature down in the southern weather and with all of that racing excitement, afterall.
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Man, horses freak me the fuck out. Those big bulbous eyes. Ick.
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Home of the "Best 2 Minutes in Sports" and no they aren't talking about my last nights performance with my lady! I cannot tell you how many times I've been here during the Spring and Fall meets. I used to walk in expecting to win. My worst day was breaking even. Churchill Downs is truly the classiest place in sports you will ever make it to. The 'Downs has been there for over 100 years and you can feel the history of the place as you walk in. The architecture is spectacular. There have been several renovations since I've last been.
If you ever get a chance to go during a meet, walk around an take note for the beauty of the place. Amazing. Great place to watch the ponies, place some bets, reunions, wedding (there is even a chapel and priest on site) and best of all The Kentucky Derby. Pay the money to go into the infield at least once in your life. However, if you remember the race...you didn't drink enough! You SHOULD leave the infield not remember much of what happened. Yes, that big of a party. If you go to the grandstand, put your Sunday best on and have a blast.
If you want to go enjoy some of the races for the meets and don't know how to bet, start off with small chump change bets. Pick 3 horses and place your bet "$2 across the board" No, it probably won't win you the big pay off, but you'll have fun with a chance of winning and not losing so much...if you do lose.
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Not sure I can give a full review considering I was only in the infield, and was also mildly sober for the whole thing... But all in all it was a lot of fun going here and seeing everyone dressed up and getting caught up in the whole thing.
I am for sure looking forward to another infield trip next year and then maybe in a couple years I'll want to see what the grand stands are all about...
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There are few things that are synonymous with Kentucky like horse racing, except for maybe bluegrass or bourbon or tobacco or fried chicken... OK, so maybe there are more than a few things. Horse racing is near the top of that list and is nowhere exemplified better than at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
I look at Churchill Downs like at look at New Orleans. You can't get a good sense of the beauty and history of New Orleans if you only visit it at Mardi Gras. Same with the Downs. You will miss out on so much if you only take it in during the Derby. Granted it is an absolute blast to spend the day in the infield and you will leave with many great memories and also many "wow, I can't believe that guy was sleeping in a puddle of his own vomit" stories. It really deserves multiple visits, just for seeing the race alone. it is next to impossible to see a race from the infield whereas the stands you can almost see the entire track.
And what would a trip to the track be without tasting their signature drink? That's right, The Mint Julep. Easily one of the grossest alcoholic beverages I've tasted... I can't figure out the fascination in this drink. Of course I've only had the pre-made batch for the masses and never from a true bar, so I could (and probably am) way off base here. Drink or not, if you are ever in Louisville you owe yourself a day at the track...
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Specifically, the Kentucky Derby
"Local Flavor" for Cincinnatians as thousands of Queen City natives make their way down 75 to experience this crazy ode to hats, horse racing, and alcohol.
We were lucky enough to get drop off and pick up service at Churchill Downs so we got to bypass the masses that parked in the Cardinal's Stadium parking lot, although everyone parked there was tailgating and it looked like a lot of fun! The parking is actually really close to Churchill Downs, a five minute walk, and only costs $5 on Derby day.
We were surprised to see random men and women selling beers and other beverages out of personal coolers on the side of the road on our walk in...the Louisville Police seemed to turn a blind eye to them as well as to the guy walking around with an open bottle of Bacardi 151 (open container laws, anyone? Not at Derby!)
Confusion reigned when we saw numerous groups carrying large plastic bags of orange slices but we soon figured it out; visitors are allowed to bring food into Churchill Downs (as long as it is in see-through bags) and are not allowed to bring in any beverages...these Derby goers had soaked oranges in vodka overnight.
We went in the general admission gate and handed $40 for entry to the workers manning the entrance (we didn't even get a real ticket). General admission "tickets" let us wander anywhere except for in the grandstand (were the celebs and rich hang), though we stayed in the Infield for most of our visit.
For those who have never been, the Infield is all about the party. Dozens of vendor stalls advertise every alcoholic beverage you could ever imagine...at ridiculous prices. We had heard this and therefore pre-gamed pretty heavily with Mimosas before entering, but we were still set on getting Mint Juleps, as they are the official drink of the Derby and they are served in cool keepsake glasses. The Juleps cost us $9 and were not particularly big; though they were alllll bourbon. We later spent $8 on "Smirnoff Mist" cocktails (Vodka, Cranberry, Sierra Mist) at the Crown Royal tent and $7 on beers. Basically, bring "boozed up fruit" if you want to get buzzed cheap. I saw more than I ever wanted to see in the Infield, women flash men to get Mardi Gras beads and drinks, men walk around with their "business" hanging out for all to see...once again, no police enforcement.
Other than drinking, the Derby is about betting. I had never bet on horse racing and had no idea what I was doing but I had instructions from an absent friend to "put $20 on 12 to win," and I was advised to put $5 each on "win, place, or show," for a horse of my choosing. I went purely by my favorite number, 11, which was probably a poor choice as Z Humour had 70 to 1 odds against him by race time. "Win, place, or show," betting puts money on each the first, second, and third spots, so if your horse comes in any place you win some money. My horse came in 14th place. Whoops. I lost on 12, too. Bad luck.
We didn't see the tragic end to the race (the #5 filly that took second place broke both front legs and they were forced to euthanize it on the track) as we watched it from the third turn, and I'm glad about that.
Checking the Derby out is something that everyone should witness once in their lifetime! We met Derby goers from as far as Ireland and Hawaii! It's an easy hour and fifteen minutes down 75 from Cincinnati, so there really isn't a reason for tri-staters not to go. Remember to take your best hat, but hold onto it if it's a windy day (mine got lost in a gust that took it into the crowd). Alo, resist the urge to wear a flimsy sundress if it's a little breezy...I wish I had!
This year the crowd was almost 170,000, don't try the Infield if you're claustrophobic!
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While most people are going to experience Churchill Downs during the Derby, might I recommend you go on an "off" day. . . it'll let you really get the flavor of the place.
It is a great place to spend a day with friends. Stop by the museum while you're there.
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Our trip to the neighboring museum included a walking tour of Churchill Downs. Our tour guide took us through the facility showing us where the horses are kept just prior to the race and also into the stands to explain the building's history. Every corner you turn, there's a window to place a bet on race day - I didn't realize how prominent betting is as a part of the sport. I've heard people rave about the hot dogs, unfortunately we couldn't try one since the concessions weren't open. Next time-
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Home of the Derby. Sat in the Millionaires Row which is AC'ed, had a buffet lunch and got an aerial view of the races. Friendliest bunch of employees ever - from the guy driving the golf cart in the parking lot to the door attendant who cheered me on.
Learned how to bet and won a trifecta on my very first race!!
Great way to spend a Thursday afternoon in Louisville!
GO BIG BROWN!!
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Fond memories of going to the track with Dad as little kid. The graceful horses, their sweet smell and cute whinnying when we would visit them on the backside or in the paddock. Watch out if they have diarrhea, though. Not so sweet. The "groundlings" that inhabit the areas around the betting windows (as Shakespeare termed his audience in the mosh pit at the Globe Theater) are quite a bit skankier, sketchier, and drunker, and, hence, stinkier, than the most dyspeptic horse.
You have to go to the Kentucky Derby once. You won't see much of the race, as the good seats are more than $10K. Therefore, you should go once during the regular season and spend a day. Do a little research on reading a form and handicapping and you'll have quite a bit more fun.
One star off for the recent revamp that has altered the classic appearance of the track.
It really is fun - and I hate gambling.
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Oh. Churchhill Downer. I mean I've been there mucho times from the 60s on. Man, it has lost it's soul. If you like Vegas, Reno, or Panama City, this is the place for you! How about them there new casino-like buildings that you're paying for? Hell, split it up. One side for horsing around with the horses, the other for just plain gambling. This is the only way this tired horse/dog will run again.
Uncle Bill
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The Kentucky Derby is a very intense event, one I have been lucky to have gone to a few times already. ChurchillDowns is beautiful inside and out. Definitely something to experience firsthand.
Horsetrack betting, Mint Juleps and a sunny day make this place a blast.
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This is a damn fine establishment. Being among the hoi polloi at the Kentucky Derby was a great afternoon. For $36 you can buy yourself four mint juleps and become heavily intoxicated.
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awesome....slightly dirty, but what would you expect from a race track? this place is famous, so it is really interesting to walk around and it has great photo opps! I only wish I was there for Derby....its on my to do list!
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Churchill Downs is a great way to spend a sunday afternoon in Louisville watching the ponies. It's magical when it's just the Spring Fling or the Fall Meet. The grounds are meticulously manicured, the track is in excellent condition. It's beautiful. The Downs has sports history all over the place. Come Derby time it's the biggest goddam party on the planet! Excuse my language but it's F@##king insane! Lots of fun bawdy adventures in the infield. Drinking flashing puking pissing passing out...this is not where the ladies with the fancy shmancy Derby hats hang out. Upstairs is a bit more civilized...if you're into that sort of thing.
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The Kentucky Derby! I did not see a horse the entire day! Seriously! I was plopped down on the infield with 125,000 crazy people! I saw people doing mud slides, women flashing their boobies, people having sex in the men's room, bourbon galore, Mint Juleps, silly hats and all types of people! What a great day! Ha, ha!
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Although I knew absolutely nothing about horse racing, I took a chance and toured Churchill Downs on a recent visit to Louisville. I was not disappointed, the tour was great, and the museum was informative without being boring. I enjoyed a "hot brown" and sweet tea at the cafe there while watching a horse or two. Yum!
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What a beautiful place! Drove down to Louisville this past weekend for the Police concert at Churchill Downs, and it was outstanding. I was here once before for the Derby while in college, but was seated on the infield and don't remember a thing. The concessions were great, prices really reasonable, people were very nice and the historic buildings were gorgeous. Very cool place, can't wait to go back on a race day!
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