Over 15 million people watch the Kentucky Derby every single year, but most don’t know what it takes to earn a spot in the starting gate. Here’s what the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve looks like 👇 Every year, 20 Thoroughbred horses earn the opportunity to run in the Kentucky Derby. The Road to the Kentucky Derby begins in September here at Churchill Downs with the Iroquois Stakes, the first of a series of prep races that run until late February. Most of these prep races award points to the top 5 finishers on a 10-5-3-2-1 split. However, select prep races are awarded on a different split including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a 30-15-9-6-3 point split. This leads to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, consisting of 16 races, where more value is placed on races of higher significance. With some of the Championship Series races awarding as high as a 100-50-25-15-10 point split. At the end of the season, the top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. The remaining two invitations are extended to the top point earners in both the European-Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby and Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. See which horses are atop this year’s Road to Kentucky Derby Leaderboard ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eeVQ5huz
About us
Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789, when the first race course was constructed in Lexington. Almost 100 years later, in 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened its gates in Louisville, and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby" and the longest continually running sporting event in America. The World's Most Legendary Racetrack® Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously at Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875. In addition, Churchill Downs Racetrack has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championship eight times. Over the course of three centuries, the track has completed several massive renovation projects to modernize its venerable grandstand and clubhouse and to accommodate its more than 165,000 guests on Kentucky Derby Day. Modernization projects have included the construction of private luxury suites and integrated simulcast areas, the installation of permanent lights to operate night-time race programs, and building The Big Board – the world’s largest 4k video screen. The Twin Spires that sit atop the grandstands remain the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and serve as a symbol of the racetrack. The spires were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez and were built in 1895 – they shine across the world’s most legendary racetrack each night.
- Website
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http://www.churchilldowns.com
External link for Churchill Downs Racetrack
- Industry
- Spectator Sports
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Louisville, KY
- Type
- Public Company
- Specialties
- thoroughbred racing
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208, US
Employees at Churchill Downs Racetrack
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Michael Ziegler
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Heather Garcia
Senior Marketing Manager at Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management
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Casey (Cook) Ramage
VP of Marketing and Partnerships, Churchill Downs
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Lori Brock
Sr. Director of Human Resources, Churchill Downs Racetrack - Home of the Kentucky Derby!
Updates
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57 days until Kentucky Derby Week kicks off, and our construction crew is in full swing! Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. helps transform our venue into an exceptional space where excitement meets innovation! See you in 57 days!
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Champion gymnast Livvy Dunne and MLB legend Jayson Werth will bring their star power to Sports Illustrated Club SI, hosting exclusive Derby and Oaks festivities. Don’t miss this unforgettable mix of sports, entertainment, and tradition at Churchill Downs! 👉 https://bit.ly/4khcvV8
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For 150 years, Churchill Downs has been the home of history, tradition, and unforgettable moments. Now, we’re taking the Kentucky Derby experience to even greater heights. The new Skye, Conservatory, and Infield Upgrade Projects will redefine race-day hospitality, blending the living traditions of the Derby with cutting-edge design and fan-first experiences. Rolling out in phases from 2026 to 2028, these enhancements will offer new ways to celebrate the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports like never before. From elevated luxury to an even more immersive infield experience, the future of the Kentucky Derby is bright. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this historic transformation! 🌹 Learn More ➡️ https://bit.ly/3TcaHQu
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Churchill Downs Racetrack reposted this
Churchill Downs is set for a historic transformation 🏇 A $880M-$920M renovation—the largest in its 150-year history—will expand the Skye Terrace, replace temporary infield suites with The Conservatory, and enhance general admission spaces. This investment follows $400M in recent upgrades, reinforcing a commitment to premium hospitality and the ultimate fan experience. Read more from Bret McCormick —https://ow.ly/PlmP50V39kG
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The future of Churchill Downs is bigger, bolder, and better than ever! From the breathtaking Skye Project to the immersive Conservatory and reimagined Infield General Admission, a new era of the Kentucky Derby is on the horizon. See the transformation unfold between 2026-2028 and witness history in the making.
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Churchill Downs Racetrack reposted this
The excitement of the Kentucky Derby lasts all week! Derby Week tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets 👉 https://bit.ly/4asiC4r
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The work never stops at Churchill Downs! While we count down to Derby Day, the Starting Gate Courtyard is transforming before our eyes—thanks to the hardworking crew and the essential equipment provided by Sunbelt Rentals, Inc., an Official Partner of the Kentucky Derby. Be here to see it all come to life—Derby Week tickets are on sale now! 🎟️
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The excitement of the Kentucky Derby lasts all week! Derby Week tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets 👉 https://bit.ly/4asiC4r
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New Kentucky Derby 151 merchandise has arrived! 🏇 Don’t miss out—shop for the latest gear now and prepare for the 151st Kentucky Derby! 🌹➡️ https://bit.ly/4giKVUA
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