Located in south Louisville approximately five miles from downtown Louisville, Churchill Downs is the home of the iconic Kentucky Derby. Thoroughbred horse racing takes place each year in two meets: the spring meeting, which runs from late April to early July, and the fall meet, which opens in late October and closes in late November at the end of Thanksgiving weekend. The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May. Churchill Downs is a Great Place For Vacations. The Kentucky Derby Museum, located at Gate 1 of Churchill Downs, features two floors of exhibits and displays that explore the history and traditions of the Kentucky Derby, as well as the history of thoroughbred racing. Walking and van-guided tours are available. The Kentucky Derby Museum is open year-round, except it is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Days.
History of Churchill Downs
In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., inspired by the Epsom Derby in England and the Grand Prix de Paris in France, founded the Louisville Jockey Club upon returning to Kentucky. With the support of John and Henry Churchill, Churchill Downs was established just outside Louisville. The inaugural Kentucky Derby, held on May 17, 1875, saw Aristides, ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis and trained by Ansel Williamson, claim victory in front of 10,000 spectators. Originally run at 1½ miles, like the Epsom Derby, the race distance was later adjusted to 1¼ miles in 1896. Churchill Downs was officially incorporated in 1937, solidifying its status as the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby.
Since its inception, Churchill Downs faced financial struggles until Col. Matt Winn led a syndicate to acquire it in 1902, ushering in an era of prosperity. The Kentucky Derby, under Winn’s guidance, rose to become North America’s premier stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Secretariat’s iconic win in 1973 set an unmatched record time of 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds, a feat that still stands. His remarkable acceleration in each quarter of the race was unprecedented. In 2001, Monarchos achieved another sub-two-minute finish. Significant changes occurred in 2004 when jockeys were permitted corporate logos, and in 2005, the purse distribution was adjusted to include the fifth-place finisher. Norman Adams has designed the Derby logo since 2002. Corporate sponsorship by Yum! Brands began in 2006, and in 2007, HM Queen Elizabeth II graced the event. Calvin Borel’s historic wins marked the 2010 Derby.
Traditions of Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby boasts rich traditions beyond the race itself. The mint julep, a bourbon-based cocktail, epitomizes the event, served in frosty cups or souvenir glasses. Burgoo, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables, is another Derby staple. While the infield offers affordable admission, its views are limited, attracting energetic revelers. Conversely, “Millionaire’s Row” offers luxurious box seats attracting the affluent, adorned in elegant attire and extravagant hats, particularly women. The pre-race parade features the University of Louisville Marching Band performing “My Old Kentucky Home.” The Derby winner receives a blanket of 554 red roses, symbolizing the “Run for the Roses” tradition since 1883. These customs, including the rose presentation by the Governor of Kentucky, add to the Derby’s allure and prestige.