Sun, May 07 2023
149th Kentucky Derby Racing Recap Mage has won the 149th Kentucky Derby, with trainer Gustavo Delgado and jockey Javier Castellano leading the charge. The victory was an upset, as Mage was not considered one of the favorites to win the race. The race…
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Fri, May 05 2023
149th Kentucky Oaks Racing The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old fillies held annually on the day before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. First run in 1875, the race is known as the "Lilies for the Fillies"…
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Thu, May 04 2023
Thurby RacingOn a beautiful day in May, Thurby at Churchill Downs shattered attendance records, drawing in crowds from near and far. Spectators were dressed to impress, with women donning brightly colored dresses and elaborate hats, and men wearing their finest…
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Wed, May 03 2023
Champions Day Racing Champions Day, a celebration of Thoroughbred racing history, and this commemorates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown win. Here are some quick facts about Secretariat's 1973 Kentucky Derby win: Secretariat won…
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Wed, May 03 2023
1. Prepare for the day by considering the following:To protect yourself from the sun apply sunscreen throughout the day and stay hydrated. Water is available across the facility.The Kentucky Derby is a rain or shine event, so prepare for inclement weather with…
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Wed, May 03 2023
Garland of Roses Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race's current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with…
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Tue, May 02 2023
502'sDay Racing Louisville is known worldwide for its horse racing heritage, with the iconic Churchill Downs hosting the annual Kentucky Derby. However, horse racing is not just a sporting event, it's a part of the city's identity and culture. Kentucky Derby…
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Sun, April 30 2023
Opening Night Racing Welcome to the thrilling Opening Night of the horse racing season! As the gates opened and the horses thundered down the track, there was no shortage of excitement and drama. From photo finishes to surprise upsets, every race had its…
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Fri, April 21 2023
As the longest-running major sporting event in the United States, the Kentucky Derby has run continually since 1875 enduring everything from World Wars to pandemics. Today, the race continues with its 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6,…
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Sun, May 08 2022
Rich Strike, At 80-1 Pulls Shocker In 148th Kentucky Derby Presented By Woodford Reserve Rich Strike, owned by Richard Dawson’s RED TR-Racing, pulled off the second biggest upset in the history of the Run for the Roses by rallying along the inside to catch…
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Sat, May 07 2022
Behind the mud-covered helmets are incredibly talented and hardworking men who put so much into their careers as Jockeys. Witnessing their passion for their craft brings such a joy to each race.
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Sat, May 07 2022
Derby Day Racing It's not just America's Greatest Race. Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.
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Sat, May 07 2022
Enjoy some selects from the historic Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby 148 week. The Derby is full of traditions: from Mint Juleps, the iconic Twin Spires, My Old Kentucky Home, and, of course, the greatest 2 minutes in sports.Visit the History section…
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Fri, May 06 2022
Congratulations to Secret Oath!Briland Farm’s homebred Secret Oath made a five-wide sweeping move on the far turn and then collared Echo Zulu at the three-sixteenths pole en route to a 2-length victory over favored Nest in the 148th running of the $1,250,000…
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Fri, May 06 2022
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses - held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1.25 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland…
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Thu, May 05 2022
Celebrate the trifecta of Kentucky pride at Thurby, and enjoy the things that Kentucky is famous for - great horse racing, bourbon, and music!Thurby, presented by Old Forester, will host Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats live in the infield! All Thurby…
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Wed, May 04 2022
Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs.
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Wed, May 04 2022
Did you know there’s a vibrant community of horses and horsemen who live and work on the Backside of Churchill Downs? (Yes, there’s even a church onsite!) Ride among the signature green-roofed barns that are home to 1,400 horses during the racing and training…
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Tue, May 03 2022
Champions Day: Champions for Change "Ladies in Racing"Countless women have played important roles in the horse racing world, from Diane Crump to Rosie Napravnik, to Laska Durnell and Penny Chenery, women have been instrumental in contributing to the advancement…
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Tue, May 03 2022
Kick off Derby Week with style at Opening Night: Style Under the Stars and enjoy fashion right out of the gate!Enjoy an evening of heart-pounding racing featuring Derby-inspired fashion displays with Gunnar Deatherage, Rodes For Him & For Her and Kentucky Derby…
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Tue, May 03 2022
Watch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Dawn at the Downs is a popular tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors, giving Kentucky Derby fans the opportunity to see the contenders…
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Sat, May 01 2021
The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports!
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Sat, May 01 2021
It's not just the Derby! 14 races including: Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (I), Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic(I), Churchill Downs presented by Ford (I), Derby City Distaff (I), Longines Churchill Distaff turf Mile (II), Pat Day Mile presented…
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Sat, May 01 2021
The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports? How about the greatest day in sports! 14 races, all the mint juleps you can handle and over 150,000 people to celebrate with, what more could you ask for?
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Fri, April 30 2021
Like the Kentucky Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks race is one of the longest continually held sporting events in American history, and one of the only horse races to take place at the original site of its inception. The race was established on May 19th, 1875,…
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Fri, April 30 2021
Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs is the second highest attended horse race in the United States – following the Triple Crown of racing; the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Aside from thunderous live horse racing, fans celebrate…
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Fri, April 30 2021
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America's premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies - female horses - held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. There are 13 races on Oaks day this year including the stakes races: Longines Kentucky Oaks…
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Thu, April 29 2021
11 thrilling Thoroughbred races including Unbridled Sidney & Opening Verse Overnight Stakes. Thurby is presented by Old Forester.
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Thu, April 29 2021
Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs. Be a part of the excitement at Thurby, celebrating the best of Kentucky including culture, fare and racing.
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Thu, April 29 2021
The scenes of Churchill Downs.
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Wed, April 28 2021
Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs. Enjoy live racing beneath the Twin Spires and catch a glimpse as Derby and Oaks contenders visit the Paddock before the big day!
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Wed, April 28 2021
Churchill Downs and The Fund for the Arts are again partnering to kick off the spectacle of Derby Week, 2021's most dramatic week of Thoroughbred racing, and celebrate Louisville's extraordinary arts community. Witness a variety of musicians, dancers, live…
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Wed, April 28 2021
Watch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Dawn at the Downs is a popular tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors, giving Kentucky Derby fans the opportunity to see the contenders…
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Wed, April 28 2021
The Backside at Churchill Downs during Derby 147.
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Tue, April 27 2021
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Sun, September 06 2020
Another one for the history books. Kentucky Derby 146, a year like no other.
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Sat, September 05 2020
Kentucky Derby homepage covers used so far...
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Sat, September 05 2020
All the homepage covers we used on Kentucky Oaks day.
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Sat, September 05 2020
A full day of racing! The Kentucky Derby is race #14 this year.
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Sat, September 05 2020
Dawn at the DownsWatch the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts while enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast.Dawn at the Downs is a popular tradition for both Louisvillians and visitors, giving Kentucky Derby fans the opportunity…
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Sat, September 05 2020
Derby Week Racing, it's not just on Saturday!
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Sat, September 05 2020
The Kentucky Derby 146 backside in pictures
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Sat, September 05 2020
Kentucky Oaks 146, the race in pictures
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Sun, October 27 2019
Today we celebrated Fall Meet's Opening Day and Halloween with the fourth annual Trick or Treat at the Track. Kids wore great costumes to safely trick or treat at "boo stations" all around the track, where nearly 20 local non-profits helped us pass our more…
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Wed, August 28 2019
Few things are as riveting as watching top athletes compete against each other. That's why each year on the first Saturday in May, millions of fans make the long, expensive pilgrimage to Louisville or tune in on TV to witness to the world's greatest 3-year…
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Sun, June 23 2019
Steven Asmussen became the third trainer this weekend to win 700 races at Churchill Downs. His first win at the historic racetrack took place on May 13, 1993, when Snake Eyes won an allowance turf race under Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day. Asmussen was inducted…
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Fri, May 10 2019
“To say that racing has lost one of its giants with the passing of John Asher does not begin to capture the impact this man has had and will continue to have on the Churchill Downs family,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “His passion…
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Fri, May 10 2019
This will be one to remember.
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Fri, May 03 2019
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses - held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland…
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Fri, May 03 2019
A look at the other true athletes of Derby week.
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Fri, May 03 2019
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses - held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. This feature race is a $1 Million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland…
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Thu, May 02 2019
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Thu, March 07 2019
Here’s something cool that sets horse racing apart from other sports: it’s the only sport in which the women compete directly against the boys. And we’re not just talking about the fillies. We’re talking about jockeys and trainers. Sure there are races like…
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Tue, November 20 2018
More than a dozen jockeys joined Hall of Famer Pat Day to visit with young patients and their families at Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville. The racetrack's mascot Churchill Charlie came along to add some cheer and hand out racing-related gifts for the…
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Mon, October 22 2018
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Wed, September 26 2018
Get your tickets and break out your favorite purple party attire for Saturday’s Downs After Dark: Bourbon and Beats presented by Budweiser. Eleven live races, delicious Kentucky bourbon, live music and a silent disco promise an evening of good beats, energetic…
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Thu, July 12 2018
The Speed Museum's Wall Together: On The Backside exhibit features photos taken by Churchill Downs' equine workers and their families to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life at the racetrack. The Speed's Wall Together program pairs local organizations…
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Tue, July 03 2018
Churchill Downs' 38-day 2018 Spring Meet concluded on Saturday with some big numbers and even bigger records. Let's start with the record-breaking rain on Derby Day that gave Justify a sloppy track to win the first leg of his historic Triple Crown victory!Inches…
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Sun, May 06 2018
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Sat, May 05 2018
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Fri, May 04 2018
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Fri, May 04 2018
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Thu, May 03 2018
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Thu, May 03 2018
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Thu, May 03 2018
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Wed, May 02 2018
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Fri, April 13 2018
This sterling silver Arkansas Derby trophy was presented to owner Helen Hexter after her horse Hostage won the race in 1982. In addition to owning the racehorse, Helen and her husband, Paul Hexter, also bred Hostage.The Arkansas Derby was run for the first…
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Thu, April 05 2018
On December 10, 1999, jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. wore these boots aboard Irish Nip at Hollywood Park as he captured his 8,834th career victory, breaking Bill Shoemaker’s record which stood for 29 years. Shoemaker was on hand for the event and posed for pictures…
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Thu, March 29 2018
In 1973, arguably the greatest race horse of all time, Secretariat, won the Kentucky Derby. Nicknamed “Big Red”, for his reddish brown color, Secretariat broke several records in his 16 month racing career.Secretariat didn't go undefeated in his career, but…
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Tue, March 13 2018
The 1995 Derby winner Thunder Gulch was one of many talented three-year-old Thoroughbreds in famed trainer D. Wayne Lukas's stable the year he won the Derby. However, despite winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby prior to his Derby Derby…
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Thu, March 08 2018
One hundred years ago on May 11th, Exterminator stunned spectators when he finished first in the field of eight at the 1918 Kentucky Derby. Nicknamed "Old Bones" because of this lanky and scrawny conformation, the horse went off in the Derby at odds of 30-1.Although…
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Thu, March 01 2018
The Fountain of Youth Kentucky Derby prep race will run this Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Featured here is the Fountain of Youth trophy from the Ben and Jimmy Jones collection This trainer’s trophy was presented to Horace A. Jimmy Jones when his horse…
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Wed, February 14 2018
During the history of the Derby, nine US Presidents have attended the race. Nixon attended the Derby in both 1968 and 1969, and he has the distinction of being the only sitting US President to attend the Kentucky Derby. This commemorative book was presented…
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Thu, February 08 2018
In yet another victory for former Derby contender, Breeder's Cup winner and 2017 Horse of the Year, Gun Runner ended his impressive career on Saturday by winning the $16 million 2018 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. The win was a fitting conclusion…
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Thu, February 08 2018
Like most Derby traditions, the commemorative glass tradition came about rather inauspiciously. In 1938, Churchill Downs produced water glasses that could be found at certain parts of the track. When officials found that guests were taking the glasses home,…
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Mon, October 23 2017
Break our your costumes and bring the kids to Family Adventure Day this Sunday for our annual Trick or Treat at the Track. With the help of our charitable partners we are giving away a ton of free candy (literally - it weights 2,244 pounds) at 17 booths around…
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Tue, September 19 2017
Break out your bow ties and get ready to sip Kentucky’s finest bourbon while you bet on the world’s greatest Thoroughbreds at this Saturday’s Downs After Dark: Bourbon, Bets and Bow Ties presented by Stella Artois and Woodford Reserve. The evening will feature contemporary…
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Thu, August 03 2017
Above: Gun Runner gets schooled in the historic Churchill Downs Paddock in 2016. Photo by Coady Photography. Three exciting former Derby contenders will face off in Saturday’s $1.2 million Whitney Stakes in Saratoga to earn a spot in the Breeder’s Cup Classic…
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Fri, July 28 2017
If Irish War Cry, McCraken, Girvin, Hence, Battle of Midway or Practical Joke were your 143 Derby pick, you'll get another chance to win with them at Sunday's $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. It's a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series…
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Mon, July 03 2017
We ended another successful Spring Meet on Friday night, after 38 days of thrilling racing, exciting events and, of course, one more Derby for the history books! Here's the 2017 Spring Meet by the numbers.Kentucky Derby attendees: 158,070Kentucky Oaks attendees:…
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Sun, June 18 2017
Behold! The official logo for Kentucky Derby 144! The running of the 144th Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
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Sun, May 07 2017
After months of preparation, Always Dreaming battled a field of 20 on May 6, 2017 to win the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands. The Dark Bay colt is the second contender from Gerry Dilger’s Dromoland Farm to be adorned with the Garland…
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Sat, May 06 2017
The rose garland, now synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, is the source of the nickname "Run for the Roses®" and has a history almost as long as the Derby itself. Learn more about how this tradition began!
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Sat, May 06 2017
There is no place more electric, more beautiful, than the morning of the historic Kentucky Derby race on the Churchill Downs Backside.
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Fri, May 05 2017
The 143rd Kentucky Oaks is here! And just like you, the stars of the race want to look their best. Glam-time on the backside!
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Thu, May 04 2017
This year at Thurby, fans were treated to performances from various Louisville Accord musicians. Louisville Accord is an original recording project that pairs two Louisville singer/songwriters from different genres to produce a completely original work of audio…
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Thu, May 04 2017
Anyone who has been to the Derby knows what a strong connection we have with our armed forces, particularly the Kentucky National Guard. They are an important part of the ceremony and help ensure the safety of every participant, spectator and horse at the…
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Fri, March 31 2017
There are seven races left in the 2017 Road to the Kentucky Derby, the series of 37 races from September through April that decides which horses will run in the 143rd Derby. The top four winners in each Road to the Kentucky Derby race are awarded points. At…
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Fri, March 10 2017
With only 57 days until the 143rd Kentucky Derby, we’ll soon start to see Churchill Downs’ barns fill up with the world’s greatest Thoroughbreds. As many as 2,000 horses call Churchill Downs home each spring. That’s a lot of horses to care for and caring…
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Thu, March 02 2017
Here’s a little something for all you ancestry buffs and horse lovers: all thoroughbreds are the descendants of three stallions who were imported to England from the Middle East in the 17th century to breed with native mares. Their names are: 1. Darley…
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Thu, January 12 2017
You may think you don't know any Stephen Foster songs, but if you've ever attended or tuned in to the Kentucky Derby you are familiar with at least one: My Old Kentucky Home, sung by 170,000 attendees every year at the Derby. He also wrote the popular American…
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Wed, January 04 2017
Now here's a horse to watch. In a great start to 2017, American Pharoah's first foal arrived yesterday at 12:30 a.m. at Brookdale Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. We'll have to wait to see if the handsome Bay colt is as fast as his Triple Crown winning sire, but…
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Tue, January 03 2017
Happy New Year to all you Derby fans and Happy Birthday to all the race horses in the northern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, every Thoroughbred's birthday falls on January 1, regardless of what day of the year they were actually born. Most Thoroughbreds…
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Wed, November 02 2016
Breeder's Cup Championship is this Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita Park in California. Some of our favorite contenders will race at Breeder's Cup, including 2014 Kentucky Derby winner and 2015 horse of the Year California Chrome, Dortmund, Gun Runner and…
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Thu, October 13 2016
The Churchill Downs Foundation is donating this horse to the Mounted Patrol Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department and we want the public to help us name him. So we're having a contest to name the horse. We thought it would be a fun way to involve…
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Thu, September 22 2016
This year's top three Kentucky Derby finishers Nyquist, Exaggerator and Gun Runner will take each other on again this Saturday in the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing in Bensalmen, PA. This is the fifth time Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and Preakness winner…
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Thu, August 18 2016
We’re proud of our U.S. Olympians for bringing home the most Gold, Silver and Bronze from Rio this year. It got us thinking about who’s brought in the most gold in horse racing and that’s 2014 Derby winner and Horse of the Year California Chrome. California…
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Tue, August 09 2016
Track and Field sprinter and American record holder Tyson Gay and Foil Fencer Lee Kiefer aren’t the only Kentucky natives in Rio this summer. Kentucky-bred retired racehorse Blackfoot Mystery competed this week in Equestrian Eventing Individual with his rider…
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Tue, August 02 2016
You don’t have to be a hard core fan to recognize the beauty of horse racing - with its majestic horses, colorful silks and excited fans. In some cases, it’s the beauty and history of the racetrack that makes a day at the races a spectacular event. Click…
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Tue, July 26 2016
Dial Me won for the first time on Sunday at Ellis Park - and it was only her second race. What’s so special about Dial Me? She’s owned by the Churchill Downs Racing Club. What’s the Churchill Downs Racing Club? It’s a new program where regular folks can…
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Tue, July 19 2016
Horses aren't the only beautiful thing about Churchill Downs, especially in the summer when everything is green and blooming. Enjoy the slideshow to see how pretty the grounds look right now.
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Fri, July 08 2016
Things get a little gloomy at Churchill Downs when racing ends for the summer. Fortunately there's a lot to celebrate about the 2016 Spring Meet that ended on Saturday night. It was fun, it was special and we broke some records! Check it out the Spring Meet's…
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Tue, June 28 2016
What could be better than a day at the track? A night at the track! This Saturday's Downs After Dark will be our last event of the 2016 Spring Meet and there's no better way to kick off your July 4 weekend than to put on some red, white & blue and celebrate…
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Thu, June 23 2016
During last Saturday's Downs After Dark night racing event, participants joined together to form a human rainbow flag while everyone at the track joined in a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives or were injured in Orlando and offer our thoughts…
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Tue, June 14 2016
Congratulations to this Kentucky Thoroughbred and Arkansas Derby winner for winning the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.Creator training for the Kentucky Derby in May. Photo by Coady Photography.
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Tue, May 24 2016
Congratulations Exaggerator for winning the 2016 Preakness Stakes on Saturday! The above photo by Coady Photography was taken during one of Exaggerator's Derby week workouts at Churchill Downs. What a beauty, huh!
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Thu, May 19 2016
We’re all rooting for Nyquist on his quest for the Triple Crown! Here are some fun facts about this undefeated champ to get you ready for Preakness on Saturday.He’s undefeated!27 undefeated horses have started in the Kentucky Derby since 1912 – but only…
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Wed, May 11 2016
Relive the highlights here.
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Sun, May 08 2016
The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May every year, and typically draws a crowd of 155,000 people. It is the longest continually held sporting event in America, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
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Sat, May 07 2016
Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs.
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Sat, May 07 2016
From the hats, to the celebrities, to the mint juleps, the Kentucky Derby is rich with traditions.
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Wed, May 04 2016
Betting is the Derby Way. So, we bet you don’t know where the Derby tradition of singing My Old Kentucky Home comes from. That’s because we’re not sure where the tradition comes from either. Just so you can have the last word about it at your Derby party, here's…
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Thu, April 21 2016
Hooray it’s spring and in Louisville that means Derby. Spring also means flowers - and what would the Derby be without its famous flowers? Each spring, Churchill Downs’ Horticulture Director Matt Bizzell & his team of 7 plant 20,000 ANNUALS IN ONE WEEK!…
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Mon, March 21 2016
The Kentucky Derby has been run every year for 141 years, making it the oldest continuously held sporting event in North America. It was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of famed Lewis and Clark explorer William Clark, making it deeply American…
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