Churchill Downs Incorporated is an American racetrack operator based in Louisville, Kentucky. It is best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The company owns and operates several horse racing venues across the United States, including the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville.
What is the History of Churchill Downs?
The Churchill Downs racetrack was founded in 1875 by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The track was named after his family’s ancestral home, Churchill Downs, in England. The first Kentucky Derby was held at the track in 1875 and has been run there every year since.
How Many Horse Tracks Does Churchill Downs Own?
Churchill Downs Incorporated owns and operates several horse racing venues across the United States. The company owns and operates the following tracks:
- Churchill Downs – Louisville, Kentucky
- Fair Grounds Race Course – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Calder Race Course – Miami Gardens, Florida
- Arlington Park – Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Tropical Park – Miami, Florida
- Presque Isle Downs – Erie, Pennsylvania
- Harrah’s Louisiana Downs – Bossier City, Louisiana
- Oaklawn Park – Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Gulfstream Park – Hallandale Beach, Florida
- Ellis Park – Henderson, Kentucky
What Types of Horse Racing are Hosted at Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs and its properties host a variety of horse racing events throughout the year. The most popular events include the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and the Kentucky Derby Festival. The company also hosts the annual Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Arkansas Derby.
What other Events are Hosted at Churchill Downs?
In addition to horse racing, Churchill Downs also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year. These include concerts, family-friendly events, corporate events, and special occasions. The company also hosts the Kentucky Derby Festival, which includes a variety of events leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
What is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky, at Churchill Downs. The race is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States. It is the most prestigious race in American horse racing and is also known as “The Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses draped over the winner.
What is the Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Oaks is an annual horse race for three-year-old fillies held in Louisville, Kentucky, at Churchill Downs. The race is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby and is a Grade I stakes race for Thoroughbreds. The winner of the race is presented with a garland of lilies, earning it the nickname “The Run for the Lilies”.
What is the Breeders’ Cup World Championships?
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is an annual series of Grade I Thoroughbred horse races held in the United States. It is the most prestigious event in American horse racing and has been held at various tracks across the country, including Churchill Downs. The event was founded in 1984 and is held on the first or second Saturday in November.
What is the Pegasus World Cup Invitational?
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational is an annual Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held in Florida at Gulfstream Park. The race is the richest horse race in North America, with a purse of $12 million. The race was founded in 2017 and is held on the first Saturday in January.
What is the Arkansas Derby?
The Arkansas Derby is an annual Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at Oaklawn Park. The race is the final prep race for the Kentucky Derby and is one of the last chances for horses to qualify for the Run for the Roses. The race was first run in 1936 and is held on the final Saturday of April.
Conclusion
Churchill Downs Incorporated is an American racetrack operator based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company owns and operates several horse racing venues across the United States, including the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville. The company owns and operates 10 tracks in total, including Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds Race Course, Calder Race Course, Arlington Park, Tropical Park, Presque Isle Downs, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, Oaklawn Park, Gulfstream Park, and Ellis Park. Churchill Downs and its properties host a variety of horse racing events throughout the year, including the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, and the Arkansas Derby.