Churchill Downs – A Must Stop Destination on Your Trip to Louisville
Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs is arguably the most famous horse racing track in the world. Everyone knows that the Downs is the home to the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the coveted Triple Crown, but Churchill Downs has a lot more to offer than just the Derby. If you plan on visiting Louisville, then Churchill Downs is a must stop destination for your trip.
Churchill Downs has two racing seasons per year, known as the Spring and Fall Meets. The Spring Meet is held from the last weekend in April through the first week of July. The Fall Meet runs primarily during the month of November. The Kentucky Derby falls in the Spring Meet, and is always held on the first Saturday in May. Hotel availability is scarce in Louisville and the surrounding cities during the Derby, so if you plan on attending on those dates, make your reservations well in advance.
If you are visiting the track, of course you are going to want to place a few wagers on the races. Unlike other forms of gambling, horse racing is very easy for the inexperienced to get into and understand. With a variety of cheap betting options it is possible to wager as little as a few dollars per race and have a decent shot at getting a return on your bet. Make sure to pick up a “tip sheet” when you enter the track. It usually runs about $1.00 and it can help you figure out which horses to bet in each race.
Churchill Downs has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation projection, including a revamping of the famous twin spires that overlook the track. The track looks better than ever, with more food and beverage options available for anyone from the casual visitor to those with more refined tastes (and larger budgets).
Most visitors to the track spend their time in the Paddock, a large area just off the track that sports a wide variety of food and drink tents and booths. When the race is on, you can wander over track side and watch the horses as they come around the stretch, or you can stay in the Paddock area and watch all the action on the large high definition monitors. Wagering windows are conveniently located throughout the area so you can place your bets with the help of an attendant, or you can use the self service betting terminals and avoid the lines. The Paddock is also a great place to watch the horses as they leave the barns and head for the track. Take one last look at the horses before they hit the starting gate, maybe you will see something about a horse that lets you know whether or not you should place a bet!
If you prefer to enjoy the races in a bit more comfort than can be found in the Paddock area, there is always the clubhouse. On the second floor of the clubhouse there is a great bar, divided into two sections for smoking and non smoking where you can socialize at the stand up bar or have a seat and enjoy table service while watching the races. On the third floor of the clubhouse you will find the Matt Winn Dining Room, which features gourmet food selections. Seating is limited in the Dining Room, so making reservations is recommended.
Louisville has a host of hotels for travelers, anywhere from the comfortable Holiday Inns to the more elegant Seelbach Hotel, all located within a few minutes drive of Churchill Downs. Getting to the Downs is easy from anywhere in Louisville, as it is just a few miles (if that) from Interstate 65 or the Watterson Expressway. Standiford Field, Louisville’s international airport, is also only about 10 minutes away from Churchill Downs, so if you are only going to be in town for the day, getting back to the airport from the track is not going to strain your schedule.
If you are lucky enough to be in town prior to the Kentucky Derby, then make sure to check out one of the many events that are held every day for the two weeks prior to the Derby. The Kentucky Derby Festival features everything from an incredible fireworks display that opens the festival to bed races, wine tastings, and special offers at nearly every bar and restaurant in town. When you arrive in Louisville, pick up a copy of the Courier Journal newspaper or Velocity Magazine for tips on where to go during the Derby Festival.
During non-Derby weeks, there are still a lot of places to visit in and around Louisville, including the Riverbats Stadium, and Fourth Street Live, Louisville’s premiere night spot featuring a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants all located within a short walk of each other.
A visit to Churchill Downs is one you will long remember. Horse racing is an exciting and colorful sport full of tradition and pageantry. You will be pleasantly surprised at how thrilling it is to see a horse that you have placed a bet on coming around the final turn and making a run for the finish line.
