Racing at Churchill Downs

For more than 150 years, history, tradition, and excitement have come together under the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.

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Home of the Historic Kentucky Derby

Witness History in the Making

Since the inaugural running in May of 1875, the Churchill Downs Racetrack has stood as the iconic stage for the longest continually running sports event in America, the Kentucky Derby. Each spring the world gathers beneath the Twin Spires to witness history unfold in the most exciting two minutes of sports®. Here, the greatest horses in history have been crowned champions from Aristrides to Secretariat. As the venue for the world’s most prestigious horse race and the crown jewel of Thoroughbred racing, Churchill Downs continues to keep over 150 years of pageantry and tradition alive. Delve into the rich history of Churchill Downs, which has cemented its place in the heart of American sports culture.

Upcoming Races & Featured Events

Throughout the year, Churchill Downs hosts a full slate of races and special events. Explore the Churchill Downs racing schedule, and mark your calendar to be part of an unforgettable racing season.

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TwinSpires Online Betting & Race Day Details

Place live bets, follow your favorite horses, watch replays, and check race results and payouts on TwinSpires, the official wagering platform of Churchill Downs. With TwinSpires, you can track live odds and wager on races not only at Churchill Downs, but also those taking place all over the country.

Scratches, Carryovers, Gates & Post Times

Stay up-to-date on every detail that matters for your wager. Check for scratches to see which horses have been withdrawn, track active carryovers, and view each horse's starting gate and official post times for every Churchill Downs race.

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Wagering and Handicapping

Place your wager and participate in over 150 years of living tradition at Churchill Downs. With our helpful resources, you can learn the art of wagering and handicapping to make informed bets on every race. Explore daily expert picks, wagering rules, and our racing 101 guide to help you pick a winning horse.

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Simulcast Schedule at Churchill Downs

Simulcasting brings the Churchill Downs racing experience to every track across the nation. Watch live broadcasts of races across the country from our special event venues and members-only lounges. Check out the full simulcast schedule to plan your visit.

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Stakes Schedule & Racetrack Programs

Churchill Downs thrives because of the dedication and skill of the horsemen and women who run under the Twin Spires. Find information on stakes schedules, stabling, licensing, and ticketing, or download our hospitality guides and get other necessary resources for preparing and competing on the track.

Horsemen Information

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Churchill Downs Racing FAQs

For more than 150 years, history, tradition, and excitement have come together under the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. Across our one-mile racetrack, champions have been forged from rising stars to legendary Thoroughbreds whose names are etched in history. We invite you to take part in the racing legacy of Churchill Downs. Learn more about our racetrack, online wagering and handicapping, view racing schedules, and more.

Have More Questions?

The Churchill Downs racing season kicks off with the Kentucky Derby at the beginning of May, and is then followed by Spring Meet, which concludes at the end of the month. Racing resumes with the September Meet and continues through the Fall meet, which concludes Thanksgiving weekend. For exact race dates, please visit our calendar for the official Churchill Downs racing schedule.

Churchill Downs Racetrack hosts three meets each year, which includes the Spring Meet in May and June, the September Meet, and the Fall Meet that runs from October to the end of November.

The Kentucky Derby, held every first Saturday in May, is the most famous race at Churchill Downs and one of the most prestigious Thoroughbred races in the world. Since 1875, the annual Run for the Roses® has captivated fans for generations and been dubbed the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.

While the exact number of races varies season to season, Churchill Downs typically hosts more than 70 races each year.

Our historic racetrack hosts a variety of Thoroughbred races to showcase talent at every level. This includes stakes races, which feature the top horses competing for large purses, allowance races for horses meeting eligibility conditions, and claiming races where entrants can be purchased at a predetermined price.

Betting at any Churchill Downs race can be done on-site at the track or online through TwinSpires, our official wagering platform. This live toteboard and wagering platform allows you to view odds, place bets, view race results, and more.