Horse racing in Kentucky is rich in history, dating back to 1789 when the first race course was laid out in Lexington. However, it was almost 100 years later, in 1875, that Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby." Click below for a photo view from that section.

Churchill Downs Tickets
1st Floor Grandstand
3rd Floor Grandstand
Eclipse Terrace Overlooking Paddock Area
5th Floor Millionaire's Row
Turf Terrace

Churchill Downs is located in South-Central Louisville, approximately three miles from the downtown business district and two miles from Louisville International Airport (Standiford Field). The racetrack is a short drive from any location in the metropolitan area.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CHURCHILL DOWNS:

Eastbound (From New Albany): Exit 9 - Taylor Blvd. Travel north on Taylor .8 miles to Longfield Ave.; 1.0 miles to Queen Ave.; 1.2 miles to Central Ave. Turn right off Taylor to Churchill Downs gates.

Westbound (From I-64 - Lexington or St. Louis): Exit 10 - 3rd Street/Southern Pkwy. North on Southern Pkwy. Follow the signs to the track - 1.0 miles.

I-65:

Southbound (From Indianapolis/Downtown Louisville):
Take Exit 132 - Crittenden Drive (the exit will veer to the right).  Continue straight on Crittenden, take first right at Central Ave intersection. Continue straight on Central Ave. Track is approximately 1.6 miles from expressway.

Northbound or from Airport (From Nashville):
Take I-264 West (Watterson Expressway) to Exit 10- 3rd Street/Southern Pkwy. North on Southern Pkwy. Follow the signs to the track-1.0 miles.

From Downtown:

Follow Third Street south approximately three miles to Central Avenue. Turn right on Central Avenue. Churchill Downs is three blocks ahead on the left.

Distance from Derby Start to Finish Line:
 1,320 feet; racetrack is 120 feet wide at Derby start

Distance from Last Turn to Finish Line: 1,234 1/2 feet

Distance from Finish Line to First Turn:
 113 1/2 feet

Turf Course
 Track: 7/8th mile, oval
Turf: 90% Fescue, 10% Bluegrass
Width: 80 feet

Stable Accommodations
 Churchill Downs - 1,404 stalls - 47 barns
Trackside OTB - 500 stalls

Takeout Information
Win, Place and Show: 16%
All Exotic Wagering: 19%

 

 

Mechanical Equipment
Photo Finish: American Teletimer
Starting Gate: Puett
Television: Charlson Broadcasting Group
Timer: American Teletimer
Tote System: United Tote

Wagering Format
$2 Daily Double on 1st and 2nd and last two races.
$2 Exacta on all races.
$1 Pick 6 on 3rd through 8th races.
$2 Rolling Pick 3 beginning on 1st race.
$1 Superfecta on 2nd, 6th and last races.
$2 Trifecta on all races which qualify

Seating Capacity: 48,500

Churchill Downs Trackside OTB
Intertrack/Wholecard Wagering
4520 Poplar Level Road
Louisville, KY, 40213

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We are not affiliated with Churchill Downs or The Kentucky Derby. We are an independent Kentucky Derby Ticket agency that handles premium and hard to find tickets for the races. Ticket prices listed on this site reflect a 3% cash or secured funds discount and are guaranteed by contract when purchased. We have been in business for over 10 years and are a member of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland.