Rolling Kentucky farmland

Kentucky Downs

ThoroughbredTurf
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Kentucky Downs is a thoroughbred racetrack in Franklin, Kentucky. It opened in 1990, making it 36 years old in 2026. It races on a 1 mile 550-yard European-style undulating turf course with left and right turns; no dirt track.

Its signature races are the Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (G1), Kentucky Turf Cup (G2), Nashville Derby (G2) and Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G2).

It is an all-turf, European-style course and one of only two North American tracks with a right-hand turn.

Track facts

Location
Franklin, Kentucky
Racing
Thoroughbred
Surfaces
Turf
Track
1 mile 550-yard European-style undulating turf course with left and right turns; no dirt track
Opened
1990
Racing season
Late August–September
Operator
Kentucky Downs (Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone)
Former names
Dueling Grounds Race Course (1990–1997)

Signature races at Kentucky Downs

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs late August–September. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows rolling Kentucky farmland in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Kentucky Downs and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Kentucky Downs

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

Tracks near Kentucky Downs10

  1. 1HarnessOak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel — Harness racing (Oak Grove, Kentucky)49 mi
  2. 2ThoroughbredEllis Park — Groupie Doll Stakes (Henderson, Kentucky)103 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredChurchill Downs — Kentucky Derby (Louisville, Kentucky)116 mi
  4. 4HarnessCumberland Run — Kentucky Sires Stakes (Corbin, Kentucky)138 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredKeeneland — Blue Grass Stakes (Lexington, Kentucky)145 mi
  6. 6HarnessThe Red Mile — Kentucky Futurity (Lexington, Kentucky)148 mi
  7. 7HarnessDu Quoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack — Illinois Colt Stakes (Du Quoin, Illinois)173 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredTurfway Park — Jeff Ruby Steaks (Florence, Kentucky)195 mi
  9. 9ThoroughbredBelterra Park — Cradle Stakes (Cincinnati, Ohio)205 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredHorseshoe Indianapolis — Indiana Derby (Shelbyville, Indiana)208 mi

Questions about Kentucky Downs

Where is Kentucky Downs?

Kentucky Downs is in Franklin, Kentucky.

What kind of racing is at Kentucky Downs?

Kentucky Downs hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs late August–September.

When did Kentucky Downs open?

Kentucky Downs opened in 1990.

What is the biggest race at Kentucky Downs?

The signature race at Kentucky Downs is the Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (G1).

What other racetracks are near Kentucky Downs?

The closest is Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Oak Grove, Kentucky, about 49 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.