The Twin Spires

Churchill Downs

ThoroughbredDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Churchill Downs is a thoroughbred racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1875, making it 151 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7/8-mile turf course. It holds about 170,000 fans.

Its signature races are the Kentucky Derby (G1), Kentucky Oaks (G1), Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) and Clark Stakes (G1).

Churchill Downs has hosted every running of the Kentucky Derby since the race and the track debuted in 1875.

Track facts

Location
Louisville, Kentucky
Racing
Thoroughbred
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7/8-mile turf course
Opened
1875
Capacity
170,000
Racing season
Late April–early July, September, and late Oct–Nov
Operator
Churchill Downs Inc.
Size rank
1st of 17

Signature races at Churchill Downs

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs late April–early July, September, and late Oct–Nov. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Twin Spires in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Churchill Downs and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Churchill Downs

Hotels near Churchill DownsBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Churchill DownsTours & things to do in LouisvilleSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Churchill Downs10

  1. 1ThoroughbredKeeneland — Blue Grass Stakes (Lexington, Kentucky)64 mi
  2. 2HarnessThe Red Mile — Kentucky Futurity (Lexington, Kentucky)69 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredTurfway Park — Jeff Ruby Steaks (Florence, Kentucky)84 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredBelterra Park — Cradle Stakes (Cincinnati, Ohio)94 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredHorseshoe Indianapolis — Indiana Derby (Shelbyville, Indiana)96 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredEllis Park — Groupie Doll Stakes (Henderson, Kentucky)99 mi
  7. 7HarnessMiami Valley Raceway — Harness racing (Lebanon, Ohio)116 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredKentucky Downs — Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (Franklin, Kentucky)116 mi
  9. 9HarnessCumberland Run — Kentucky Sires Stakes (Corbin, Kentucky)126 mi
  10. 10HarnessHarrah's Hoosier Park — Dan Patch Stakes (Anderson, Indiana)129 mi

Questions about Churchill Downs

Where is Churchill Downs?

Churchill Downs is in Louisville, Kentucky.

What kind of racing is at Churchill Downs?

Churchill Downs hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs late April–early July, September, and late Oct–Nov.

When did Churchill Downs open?

Churchill Downs opened in 1875.

How many people does Churchill Downs hold?

Churchill Downs holds about 170,000 fans.

What is the biggest race at Churchill Downs?

The signature race at Churchill Downs is the Kentucky Derby (G1).

What other racetracks are near Churchill Downs?

The closest is Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, about 64 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.