churchill downs racetrack tour

VISITING INFORMATION

Get ready for your visit to the Kentucky Derby with helpful tips and event information.

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What to Expect at the Kentucky Derby

It’s easy to forget about your comfort when you are planning to look as fabulous as possible.

The Kentucky Derby is a rain or shine event be prepared as a large number of seatings are outdoors and uncovered.

The track attendance expects to be over 150,000 people, which is significantly larger than comparable sporting events.

Safety and security of all of our guests is taken very seriously. Your bag may be searched, and you may be wanded by security upon entry.

Tickets are non-refundable and all tickets are accessed digitally.

We will do our absolute best to accommodate persons with disabilities. We are unable to provide wheelchairs for rent or storage.

If you see something, say something. Text the word DERBY to 69050 and you will be placed in touch with Guest Services.

There is no public Wi-Fi available on Oaks and Derby Days.

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT TO WEAR

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See the latest Derby fashion trends to inspire your look for race day.

TRAVEL: PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

There is limited on site parking some. See more information on when to purchase and directions to specific lots.

Frontside Reserve Seating tickets can park for free at the Kentucky Exposition Center and take the shuttle over to the track.

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

There will be ADA-accessible parking & shuttles available from the Kentucky Exposition Center.

EXPLORE TRAVEL INFORMATION

EVENT INFORMATION

Arrive early to accommodate search procedures at all admission gates.

Get all of the information surrounding the races on Derby Week.

Review the list of items that are permitted and those that cannot be brought into the racing facility.

Download to access your tickets, facility maps, wayfinding and more!

EXPLORE ALL EVENT INFORMATION

VISITING US FAQs

Our goal is to make sure you have a memorable experience at the Kentucky Derby.

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What are some other events and activities during the lead up to the Kentucky derby?

There is a full week of daily events at the track during Derby Week. See the full list of Derby Week Events and activities.

How do I access my tickets?

Tickets can be accessed through the Churchill Downs app and connecting your Ticketmaster account to the app. You MUST have your tickets in order to get through the gates.

Is there an App I can use to bet on the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, TwinSpires is the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. Download their app and begin wagering on all of the races. Pro tip: download the app and sign up prior to arriving at the facility to avoid connectivity issues at the track.

Your Expert Guide to Louisville

Make the most of your visit to Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Derby by exploring Louisville Kentucky.

Churchill Downs Virtual Venue

View various sections to familiarize yourself with historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.

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Churchill Downs Facility Map

Get ready for the Kentucky Derby with an updated facility map!

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Churchill Downs Tour – Louisville, Kentucky

Churchill downs tour with bourbon town tours: delving into the heart of kentucky’s horse racing legacy.

The Churchill Downs Tour, offered by Bourbon Town Tours, stands as an immersive journey into the prestigious world of thoroughbred racing. Louisville, Kentucky, a city synonymous with horse racing, the Churchill Downs Tour offers an exclusive exploration of one of the sport’s most hallowed grounds. Bourbon Town Tours, known for its expertly crafted experiences, invites visitors to delve into the rich history and exciting present of Churchill Downs, the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby.

The Churchill Downs Tour Experience

Those joining the Churchill Downs Tour embark on a journey that covers every facet of this legendary race track. The tour begins with a historical overview, tracing the origins of Churchill Downs from its establishment in 1875 to its current status as a world-renowned racing venue.

Exploring the Grounds and Facilities

A key feature of the tour is an exploration of the expansive grounds and state-of-the-art facilities. Visitors are guided through the paddock, where horses are prepared for races; the grandstand, offering spectacular views of the track; and the Winner’s Circle, where champions are celebrated.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

The tour provides rare behind-the-scenes access, allowing guests to see areas typically reserved for owners, trainers, and jockeys. This includes a visit to the barn and stable areas, providing insights into the daily routines and care of elite racehorses.

Churchill Downs’ Racing History and Legacy

A significant portion of the tour is dedicated to Churchill Downs’ storied racing history. Guests learn about legendary races, famous horses, and celebrated jockeys who have competed at the track. The tour also delves into the traditions and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

Interactive Exhibits and Kentucky Derby Museum

Part of the Churchill Downs Tour includes a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum. This interactive museum features exhibits on the history of the race, the training and breeding of thoroughbreds, and the culture surrounding it. The museum’s engaging displays and interactive experiences enrich the tour, offering a deeper understanding of the sport.

The Thrill of Race Days

For visitors attending the tour during the racing season, the experience is enhanced by the electric atmosphere of live racing. Guests witness the excitement and pageantry of race days, experiencing firsthand the thrill that makes it a mecca for horse racing fans.

Sustainability and Preservation Efforts

The tour also highlights the commitment to sustainability and the preservation of horse racing heritage. Efforts to maintain the track responsibly and initiatives for the welfare of racehorses are discussed, showcasing the track’s dedication to ethical practices in the sport.

A Tour for Racing Fans and Novices Alike

The Churchill Downs Tour is designed to captivate both seasoned racing enthusiasts and newcomers. Its comprehensive and engaging format makes it an ideal experience for anyone interested in the sport of horse racing, Kentucky culture, or historical landmarks.

Join the tour with Bourbon Town Tours

The Churchill Downs Tour with Bourbon Town Tours presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. This tour is an invitation to experience the history, excitement, and tradition of Churchill Downs.

We invite you to join the Churchill Downs Tour with Bourbon Town Tours and immerse yourself in the heart of Kentucky’s horse racing legacy. Book your tour today and be part of an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Churchill Downs, from its rich history to the excitement of race day. Don’t miss this chance to explore a cornerstone of Kentucky’s sporting and cultural heritage, where the spirit of horse racing comes alive.

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Kentucky Derby: Inside Churchill Downs’ redesigned paddock — better views, high-roller perks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Armed with a construction hat and a tour guide, The Athletic took a private tour of the new paddock at Churchill Downs in February, getting a first look at the redesigned space that race fans will enjoy starting   this weekend. It is, in a word, monstrous. The once 5,000-square-foot space has been blown out to 12,000, with more seats and a balcony view, to boot.

At an estimated cost of $200 million and completed in a year’s time, the renovation is a much-needed reboot to a popular place to congregate on race day — and especially on the first Saturday in May. On Kentucky Derby day, the old paddock was always stuffed with attendees who were there to view the races on the big boards, observe the horses in the stalls or simply people-watch. It was difficult to maneuver around and often so crowded that it was tough to see the actual horses.

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Now, the entire space is flipped. Where once racegoers came through the gates and saw the back of the paddock, now they’re greeted with an expansive view of the iconic twin spires, the paddock — dropped seven feet below — spread before them. Rimmed with a 3,200 standing-room-only tier, it’s also topped with a wide balcony, allowing for more than double the spectators.

Much of the space, admittedly, is for the people with big money to spend. Two exclusive clubs — Club SI and the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club — rim the edge of the paddock, allowing people who can pay the price of admission to not only belly up to the bar, but grab a table at a window that doubles as the back wall of the horses’ stalls. The glass, it should be noted, is one-sided; people can see the horses, but the easily spooked animals can’t see the folks staring at them.

There are more high-end areas — the Spires Terrace and Suites offers a view of both the paddock and track from just beneath the actual spires — and there’s even a hidden speakeasy, making for double top-secret exclusivity.

What’s impressive, though not surprising, is that the redesign kept the essence of the track. In some areas that were demoed, workers repurposed the original construction materials. In the president’s hallway, connecting the paddock to the grandstand, the old brick has been exposed.

In other words, the history of the place remains.

(Photos by Dana O’Neil)

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Dana O’Neil, a senior writer for The Athletic, has worked for more than 25 years as a sports writer, covering the Final Four, the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and NHL playoffs. She has worked previously at ESPN and the Philadelphia Daily News. She is the author of three books, including "The Big East: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential Conference in College Basketball History." Follow Dana on Twitter @ DanaONeilWriter

Newly Renovated Paddock Revives The Heartbeat of Churchill Downs

C hurchill Downs has made around $2 billion in capital campaign investments over the last two decades. Each new addition and renovation is built for a different audience. The new Paddock has something for everyone who walks by the iconic Twin Spires at the historic racetrack.

“The Paddock is the heartbeat of the racetrack,” said Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers.

Churchill Downs spent approximately $200 million to construct the new Paddock, which has doubled its footprint in almost every possible way. The space for horsemen went from 5,000 to more than 12,000 sq. ft. Two new deluxe luxury suites were added, creating about 800 total seats. As for the everyman, no longer will you be fighting for one of the two dozen bench seats. There are now around 3,600 seats, with five rows of bar-like tabletops near the rail for you to rest your drinks and mark up a program.

I’d consider myself one of those Average Joes who spends more days at the racetrack outside of Derby Week. A frequent flyer to night races and Twilight Thursdays, the Paddock is my meeting spot to gather for a drink, pick some ponies, and run into old friends.

When initial renderings of the project were released, I was skeptical, and that’s putting it nicely. In April 2022, I wrote that Churchill Downs “missed the mark” by creating a coliseum in the middle of the racetrack, removing the communal aspect. Boy, was I wrong.

Don’t be mistaken, the new construction is coliseum-like. It’s difficult to capture the scale of this massive project in words or pictures. You simply have to see it. As we were guided through the new area, there were several “wows” and “holy shits” from starstruck media members.

Most importantly, the communal aspect of the Paddock remains intact. Granted, you are a little farther away from the horses, but there is still plenty of room to see the horses and the races on four enormous screens from the ground floor. Up above, the new Paddock Terrance is reminiscent of the Belvedere, providing a large open space for vendors and a stage for events like Saturday night’s Kentucky Derby post position draw. There you can also see some of the facade of the original grandstand, which has been remastered to add a semblance of history.

A primary goal of the project was to bring the iconic Twin Spires to the forefront. Now the first thing you see when you enter the racetrack, they stand front and center, towering over the horses as they prepare to race. Whether you’re a celebrity or a local degenerate, an owner or a groomer, the new Paddock has improved the experience for every patron who walks through the gates at Churchill Downs.

A Few Impressive Perks

Before I get to the luxury suites, let me tell you about something that every person will appreciate about the new Paddock. Not every person is an expert handicapper. Ribbon boards have been installed over the stalls. While the horses prepare for the race, above their stall you’ll find the horse’s name, its odds, trainer, and jockey all in one convenient location.

As for the wealthy demographic, if you’ve got $15,000 to spend on two days at the track, you’ve in for a treat. Churchill Downs toured Jerry World where they saw the suites that line the tunnel from the locker room to the field. The Woodford Reserve Jockey Club and the SI Club put patrons in a similar spot, right next to the horses as they prepare for a race.

The SI Club costs around $12,000 per seat for Oaks and Derby. It will be used for other premiere race days, like the Stephen Foster Stakes Day and a few night races. The Jockey Club is exclusively available for Oaks and Derby and the $15k price tag comes with an additional perk.

Each Jockey Club patron will have a pass to actually go inside the Paddock ahead of each race. A tunnel was constructed to make you feel like you’re walking to an old speak-easy. Dimly lit, it’s lined with bourbon barrels that still smell like the spirit. At the end of a tunnel is a mural of roses. Paint cans were still on the ground as the artist touched up the piece, leading to the sunny Paddock.

Tour the New Paddock at Churchill Downs

KSR’s expert videographer Steven Peake joined me to capture what I could not say in words. Join us as we take you through the new $200 million Churchill Downs Paddock.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

The post Newly Renovated Paddock Revives The Heartbeat of Churchill Downs appeared first on On3 .

Kentucky Derby Week 2024: Post times, ticket prices, stakes races, more at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs’ 2024 Spring Meet will open Saturday and offer fans a first look at the track’s new $200 million paddock .

The new horseshoe-shaped structure extends three stories and has about 3,600 premium seats across various clubs, suites, terraces and balconies.

“The best thing about the new paddock is right when you walk through the gates, you see the horses saddled beneath the Twin Spires,” Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers said during a media tour of the paddock Wednesday. “They’re the centerpiece of this truly transformational project.”

Gates will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, with first post set for 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com .

Throughout Derby Week, many of Churchill Downs’ suites and dining rooms will include four hours of all-inclusive food and drink. Check ChurchillDowns.com for more information.

The Spring Meet will run through June 30. Night racing, with a first post of 6 p.m., is set for May 18 and June 15. The $1 million, Grade 1 Stephen Foster highlights six stakes races set for June 29.   

Here’s what to know about the first week of racing at Churchill Downs’ Spring Meet:

Saturday, April 27

Number of races: 10

Gates open: 5 p.m.

First post: 6 p.m.

Last post: 11:17 p.m.

Stakes: $200,000 Roxelana (fillies and mares 4 and up, 6 furlongs).

Ticket prices: $24 (general admission), $26 (reserved), $111 and up (reserved dining).

Notes: The theme is “Derby Through the Decades,” and for the first time the draws for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be open to the public. The draws will be held between the third and fourth races at approximately 7:15 p.m. … Top horses to watch in the Roxelana are Eddie Kenneally-trained Last Leaf, who was runner-up in last year’s Roxelana, and Brad Cox-trained Dazzling Blue, who will make her 2024 debut.

Tuesday, April 30

Number of races: 9

Gates open: 11:30 a.m.

First post: 12:45 p.m.

Last post: 4:55 p.m.

Stakes: None

Ticket prices: $5 (general admission), $26 (reserved), $106 and up (reserved dining).

Notes: 502’sDay will celebrate 150 years of Louisville businesses.

Wednesday, May 1

Last post: 5:25 p.m.

Stakes: $200,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon (4-year-olds and up, 1 ½ miles); $300,000 William Walker (3-year-olds, 5 ½ furlongs on turf).

Ticket prices: $24 (general admission), $26 (reserved), $116 and up (reserved dining).

Notes: Champions Day will include the introduction of the 2024 class for the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and the chance for photos with the PGA Championship trophy from 1-3 p.m. The 2024 PGA Championship is set for May 16-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

Thursday, May 2

Number of races: 12

Gates open: 10:30 a.m.

Last post: 6:47 p.m.

Stakes: $200,000 St. Matthews (4-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs); $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile (2-year-olds, 5 furlongs); $350,000 Opening Verse (4-year-olds and up, 1 mile on turf).

Ticket prices: $39 (general admission), $43 (reserved), $134 and up (reserved dining).

Notes: Thurby will feature live bluegrass music at the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza Stage.

Friday, May 3

Number of races: 13

Gates open: 9 a.m.

First post: 10:30 a.m.

Last post: 7:02 p.m.

Stakes: $400,000, Grade 3 Modesty (fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf); $400,000, Grade 3 Unbridled Sidney (fillies and mares 3 and up, 5 ½ furlongs on turf); $600,000, Grade 2 Edgewood (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles on turf); $600,000, Grade 2 Eight Belles (3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs); $750,000, Grade 2 Alysheba (4-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles); $1 million, Grade 1 La Troienne (fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles); $1.5 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles).

Ticket prices: General admission infield ($55), all-inclusive box seats and dining options are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Notes: Idiomatic, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita Park, is set to make her 4-year-old debut in the La Troienne. Trained by Brad Cox, Idiomatic is 9-1-2 in 12 career starts and has career earnings of more than $2.4 million. She closed her 2023 season with five straight victories … The Kentucky Oaks has a post time of 5:51 p.m. and will be the 11 th of 13 races.

Saturday, May 4

Number of races: 14

Last post: 8:35 p.m.

Stakes: $200,000 Knicks Go (4-year-olds and up, 1 mile); $600,000, Grade 2 Pat Day Mile (3-year-olds, 1 mile); $1 million, Grade 1 Churchill Downs (4-year-olds and up, 7 furlongs); $1 million, Grade 1 Derby City Distaff (fillies and mares 4 and up, 7 furlongs); $600,000, Grade 2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (3-year-olds and up, 5 ½ furlongs on turf); $600,000, Grade 2 American Turf (3-year-olds, 1 1/16 miles on turf); $750,000, Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 mile on turf); $1 million, Grade 1 Turf Classic (4-year-olds and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf); $5 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (3-year-olds, 1 ¼ miles).

Ticket prices: General admission infield ($130), all-inclusive box seats and dining options are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Notes: The Kentucky Derby has a post time of 6:57 p.m. and will be the 12 th of 14 races.

More horse racing: Ed DeRosa picks Opening Night races at Churchill Downs

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected] . Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.

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Churchill downs shows off new $200 million paddock redevelopment.

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Churchill Downs is ready to show off its new $200 million paddock redevelopment.

WLKY NewsChopper flew over to get a good look at the brand-new paddock area.

You can see aerial video in the player below.

The renovation project has been underway for a few years, and now it’s finished just in time for the 150th Kentucky Derby.

WLKY got to tour around the now much larger paddock on Wednesday.

The redesign honors tradition of the historic racetrack, but features modern amenities.

There’s new seating areas outside and inside along with dining options and 3,600 all-inclusive seats.

It also features two premium clubs, that officials say will mainly be open on premium race days.

Sports Illustrated Club SI is decorated with classic Derby photos, while the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club offers an immaculate view of the horses in person.

The Woodford Reserve Club is also designed with smoked glass to avoid distracting the thoroughbreds.

"Guests that are here in this club have the ability to walk the horses up close at the Paddock," said Darren Rogers, spokesperson for Churchill Downs. "There's also a walkway that is standing room only adjacent to the Winner's Circle on a grass area, so you can stand out there and watch the race."

Some of the best parts, according to Churchill Downs leaders, are the views.

"Right when you walk through the gates you see the horses saddled beneath the twin spires," said Rogers. "The twin spires are back in focus and the centerpiece of this transformational project."

Churchill Downs says the paddock will "enhance the experience for nearly every guest who enters the gates of the historic racetrack."

"The paddock is the heartbeat of any racetrack," said Rogers. "Forget Derby week, which is special alone, but with the other 70 racing dates over the course of the year, this type of paddock delivers a unique experience for all guests."

The paddock will make its grand debut to the public this Saturday night, April 27, which is opening night of the Spring Meet.

This story will be updated with more details.

The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4.

What's your favorite Kentucky Derby memory? Readers share theirs ahead of 150th running

The Courier Journal asked readers for their favorite Kentucky Derby memories ahead of the 150th Run for the Roses .

They delivered.

The following is a collection of their most-cherished moments from the first Saturday in May.

Here's to 150 more years of good times at Churchill Downs — or wherever you enjoy "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."

Barbar LaPierre

"I sat on a horse before I could walk. Ever since I saw my first Derby on TV (during the early 1950s), I had dreamed of owning a Derby horse. Fast forward to 2020 — I had a chance to make that dream a reality.

"I purchased one share of Authentic from MyRacehorse.com . My son didn't share my enthusiasm. In fact, he thought I was a bit tetched — until Authentic won (Derby 146) and my dream became a reality."

Nancy Mulkins

"My best memory was from the 100th Derby (in 1974). I attended with my mother, my dad and a neighbor.

"We entered Churchill through the clubhouse. We went through the tunnel to the first turn. We sat on the grassy area around the first turn. That area is no longer available. It now has expensive seats there.

"Right after the Derby ended, a streaker ran from the infield, climbed a fence and got onto the track right in front of where we were sitting. Cannonade won the Derby. We had a great day and met some very nice folks from Detroit, who were sitting by us and had come on a bus tour to the Derby."

Kevin McGarry

"My favorite memory was my fourth Derby, in 1984. I was a senior at Kentucky; and my fraternity brothers and a few friends were planning to hit the infield for another raucous celebration. This time, my roommate, Troy, happened to be the son of the guy in charge of paddock security at Churchill Downs.

"Troy told us a couple weeks out that his dad, Ed, could perhaps get us into the big event with all of our coolers, etc. for free. FREE?? With our coolers?? This seemed too good to be true, even with his connection, and we were all skeptical of this pipe-dream scheme that he had presented to us. Nevertheless, we were going with it. We were poor college kids and had nothing to lose.

"Our marching orders were clear. At 7 a.m., we were to arrive at the backside gate in two cars. There, we were to tell a staffer that we were Ed Jones' group and they would let us in to park. From there, we were to get all of our stuff and, in a single file, go through the entrance to the track and walk clockwise against the outside rail over to the finish line, where Mr. Jones would meet us. Derby morning came, and we were ready for it.

"We had all the booze and food we could carry — for ourselves and about everyone else we knew who was going to the track that day. There were about 20 of us; 14 packed into a van and another six in a car. We pulled up to the backside gate, still doubtful that this was really going to work, and in we went. We parked, gathered our coolers and went onto the track. That's when the first loud voices came our way.

"'What in the hell are you doing?' shouted some of the outriders. 'Get the (expletive) off the track!' But we kept moving.

"It seemed like forever to get to the other side. The coolers were heavy; our hearts were pounding. But we made it over to the finish line, where we were met by a team of security personnel — also screaming at us.

"Just then, Ed Jones walked up. (A member of the security team) said, 'Who the hell are you?' Ed responded, 'I'm Ed Jones; you work for me!'

"Ed led us across the track and into the infield, right near the winner's circle. We rejoiced like we had just hit a superfecta! More than 40 Derby attendances later, that will always be my favorite."

"Fifty-one years ago, we got married on Derby Day and were driving down Interstate 65 listening to Secretariat win the race on our way to our honeymoon! We have celebrated Derby every year since!"

Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at [email protected] and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.

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'Transformational': Churchill Downs unveils $200M paddock ahead of Kentucky Derby 150

Nearly two years of construction and $200 million later, Churchill Downs is unveiling its most transformative change at the track in recent memory.

A reimagined paddock is making its debut just in time for Kentucky Derby 150. The major investment is adding thousands of premium seats to the paddock area and offering new, up-close viewing experiences for top-dollar ticket holders.

Racetrackgoers will be able to check out the new paddock for the first time on Opening Night, April 27, the kickoff to Kentucky Derby week.

The Courier Journal got a sneak peek of the reimagined paddock ahead of Kentucky Derby week. Here's what to know about the new space:

How is the new paddock at Churchill Downs different?

The newly reconfigured paddock is taller, larger and grander than its predecessor.

Among the biggest changes is the relocation and 180-degree turn of the paddock stalls, which now face out toward the parking lot and are situated square between the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs.

“The best thing about the new paddock is right when you walk through the gates, you see the horses saddled beneath the twin spires," said Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers. "They’re the centerpiece of this truly transformational project.”

Visitors will recognize the line of stables, oblong oval walking ring and grassy center, which are recessed about 7 feet. But this footprint has grown from 5,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet, allowing capacity to jump from 1,000 to 2,400 inside the paddock.

Rising around these recognizable features of the paddock is a new, horseshoe-shaped structure extending three stories. This white-bricked building has about 3,600 premium seats across various clubs, suites, terraces and balconies.

The new paddock replaces the 1980s-era paddock, which was demolished ahead of Kentucky Derby 149.

About 18,500 tradespersons worked on the project over nearly two years, said Calhoun Construction's Jeff Palmquist, who has overseen the project. The last few months of construction have required daily work of 10- to 12-hour days.

"That's the good thing about the teams we have," he said. "They know there's the expectation that they're going to be working long days. We've got to get done. There's no not getting done."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louisville Courier Journal (@courierjournal)

What is the Club SI at Churchill Downs?

Club SI is one of two luxury experiences in the new paddock structure.

This first-level space is the result of a multi-year deal with  Sports Illustrated  for exclusive naming rights. Model Brooks Nader and football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith have been announced as “celebrity ambassadors” who will host guests at the club for both Kentucky Oaks and Derby, respectively.

The interior design of Club SI showcases iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers and editorials featuring past Kentucky Derby races and gives a sneak peek into Sports Illustrated's new SI Resorts vertical.

Club SI will be open on premium race days throughout the year. Ticketholders can enjoy gourmet dishes and visit dedicated wagering windows and private bars.

They'll also have trackside views via a reserved viewing area, not to mention a dining space that offers an up-close paddock, including ground-floor views of the saddling stalls and paddock green, the Courier Journal previously reported .

While two-day Oaks and Derby tickets to this space ranged from $7,000 to $12,000, those with more modest budgets can get tickets for race days earlier in Kentucky Derby week for price points in the hundreds.

What is the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club at Churchill Downs?

The Woodford Reserve Paddock Club is the most premium offering in the redesigned paddock space, promising unparalleled viewing access. It will only be open during Kentucky Derby week, treated much like  The Mansion .

Both Club SI and the Paddock Club have a wall of windows that are treated to allow guests to look out into the paddock stalls without being seen from the other side.

A unique feature of this first-level club is a private tunnel that leads from the luxury seating area to the paddock green for a close-up view of the horses.

The Paddock Club, which seats about 300 people, also includes a speakeasy, "luxury" food options, concierge service and railside space to watch the race.

Tickets for the club ranged from roughly $11,000-$16,000 for a two-day Kentucky Oaks and Derby ticket. Tickets from Champions Day, May 1, and Thurby, May 2, are closer to $400 per person.

What are the new seating areas like in the renovated paddock?

A slew of other seating options are part of the new paddock structure.

Choices include the Spires Terrace and Suites, a space that provides racegoers a 360-degree view of the track and the paddock from beneath the Twin Spires.

The Plaza Balcony and Loge faces the paddock and promises its ticketholders a close-up view of the jockeys as they head to the paddock.

The Silks Balcony and Loge offer paddock views from open-air dining tables and box seats, while the Champions Balcony and Loge offer a view of the twin spires and access to the Champions Bar on the clubhouse’s second level.

Can you still view the paddock activity without a premium ticket?

Despite the new multi-story structure and thousands of new paddock tickets, a portion of the new paddock is left open for frontside ticket holders.

Track visitors will have an unobstructed view of the horse stalls as they enter Churchill Downs on the northern side of the property, via the paddock gates. Above those stalls, a new digital ribbon will show horses' information and statistics.

Those without a paddock-specific ticket can still see the action from a tiered, standing-room-only space on the northern side of the new structure, which resembles a horseshoe.

A large, open space on the second level of the paddock, called the paddock terrace, also provides open standing room for frontside ticketholders. It's open to frontside ticket holders throughout Derby week on race days but will be limited to paddock ticket holders on Thurby, Oaks and Derby days.

First-floor bathrooms, wagering machines and food and beverage stations will be accessible to those with frontside access.

And for those wanting a closer-up look, new double-sided video boards on both sides of the paddock will also show paddock goings-on.

Features reporter Kirby Adams contributed to this report. Growth & development reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at [email protected], 502-582-4000 or on Twitter @mattglo.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs $200M paddock renovation ahead of Kentucky Derby 150

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Kentucky Derby 2024 predictions, odds: Expert picks for win, place, show, trifecta, and superfecta

Jody demling has revealed his win, place and show picks for the kentucky derby 2024 on saturday, may 4.

The Blue Grass Stakes is one of the marquee races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. It brings many of the top 3-year-old horses looking to compete for the Run for the Roses a month later. How strong of an indicator is the race towards determining the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby when the first leg of the Triple Crown runs on Saturday, May 4 at Churchill Downs? There have been 10 horses to win the Kentucky Derby after taking the Blue Grass Stakes, but none since Strike the Gold in 1991. Sierra Leone has the second-lowest 2024 Kentucky Derby odds to win at 7-2 after taking down the 2024 Blue Grass Stakes. Horses in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field such as Dornoch (12-1) Just a Touch (20-1), Epic Ride (500-1) ran in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 6.

Dornoch had the second-lowest odds to win the Blue Grass Stakes behind Sierra Leone, so is there value in using him in 2024 Kentucky Derby bets at 12-1? Four 2024 Kentucky Derby horses have shorter odds than Dornoch, so maybe he's being undervalued off that subpar performance after winning the previous three races. Fierceness is the 3-1 Kentucky Derby favorite. With so much to consider while making your 2024 Kentucky Derby picks, a little expert help can go a long way .

Secretariat is known as one of the top horses of all-time and much of that stems from his run at the 1973 Kentucky Derby. Secretariat won in a record-time of 1:59.40 on route to the Triple Crown. Monarchos nearly surpassed Secretariat in 2001 with a time of 1:59.97 as the only two horses to run the Kentucky Derby in less than two minutes. Many people know the fastest winner, but who was the slowest winner? Since the Kentucky Derby moved to its current 1 1/4-mile format in 1896, Stone Street has the slowest winning time (2:15.20) in 1908. The Kentucky Derby winner has finished in a time less than 2:03 the last four years after winning times over 2:03 in three straight years.

Given all the history, there's a method to picking which horses to focus on for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets in a Kentucky Derby like this, and SportsLine expert Jody Demling knows what it is. He can help you make the best 2024 Kentucky Derby picks possible .

A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby having nailed the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last six years, including an exacta in 2022 with Mo Donegal and Nest. He also called Flightline's win at the Breeders' Cup Classic in November of that year. 

Demling is at his best in the biggest horse races in the world like the Kentucky Derby 2024. In fact, he has hit 10 of the last 15 Derby-Oaks doubles at Churchill Downs. That means he held a ticket with the winners of both races all but five times in the last 15 years. 

He's also called 10 of the last 19 Preakness winners, including nailing his Preakness winner, exacta and superfecta picks in 2023, keenly understanding when the Kentucky Derby winner was poised for victory or a massive upset. Anyone who has followed him is up huge.  Now, he's sharing all of his 2024 Kentucky Derby bets here .

Top 2024 Kentucky Derby expert picks

Here's a refresher on these types of bets from SportsLine's Jody Demling:

Kentucky Derby Exacta: Pick the first- and second-place finishers in the correct order. A $2 exacta returned $330.44 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage and Two Phil's.

Kentucky Derby Trifecta: Pick the first-, second- and third-place finishers in the correct order. A $1 trifecta returned $982.36 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage, Two Phil's and Angel of Empire.

Kentucky Derby Superfecta: Pick the first-, second-, third- and fourth-place finishers in the correct order. A $1 superfecta returned a colossal $15,643.65 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage, Two Phil's, Angel of Empire and Disarm.

Demling is not taking Fierceness (3-1) to win this year, even though he's the favorite. Instead, he is building his tickets around Sierra Leone and a massive double-digit longshot who "keeps getting better and better." You can see his picks here . 

How to make 2024 Kentucky Derby bets

Demling has specific recommendations for exacta, trifecta and superfecta wagers so you can cover all your bases at the Kentucky Derby 2024. He's sharing them over at SportsLine .

So which horses do you take? And in what combinations? Visit SportsLine to get Demling's picks for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby .

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Kentucky Derby week is almost here. Ed DeRosa picks Opening Night races at Churchill Downs

Welcome back to another exciting year of racing at Churchill Downs , and with it: Kentucky Derby Week . I am Ed DeRosa of Horse Racing Nation , and I will be your docent on this journey to untold fortune that begins with a 10-race Opening Night card on Saturday and concludes with Kentucky Derby Day on May 4 with plenty of fun stops along the way: 502’s Day, Champions Day, Thurby and the Kentucky Oaks. Let’s get started!

It’s like Churchill VP of Racing Gary Palmisano Jr. always says, “Speed in the opener!” Well, there are two speed types here, but one is clearly better than the other. No. 5 Spycraft should be able to control this race.

PICKS: 5-7-8

Horses shipping to Churchill from Fair Grounds did not fare well opening week last year, but No. 6 Barnaby looks well-meant from a barn that is capable of running well off the class drop. Leading rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard adds to the excitement.

PICKS: 6-3-1

No. 2 Little Blaze, with newly minted Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario in the irons, looks dangerous on the front end. If he is unable to see this one all the way from an inside post, then No. 3 Thestral will be the one to catch him.

PICKS : 2-3-4

On the turf for the first time this meeting and an overflow field of 17 entered, No. 9 Outadore is attracting our attention given his outside speed and trainer Wesley Ward staying loyal to jockey Abel Cedillo. No. 17 Lark’s Mischief merits a look if this is washed off to the main track.

PICKS: 9-17-3-7

Trainer Jack Sisterson gives No. 6 Chryso Alogo the kitchen sink treatment, cutting back to dirt second in the barn. Horse showed sprint speed last year as a 2-year-old and should be able to control this race on the drop in class.

PICKS: 6-5-7

Our first two-turn race of the meeting is a $10,000 maiden claiming event, and similar to taking trainer Tom Amoss earlier on the drop in class, trainer Linda Rice similarly adept with these kinds of moves. She bought this one for $30,000 two back and fair to say that didn’t work out now in for $10,000, but she’s known to push buttons to get a win.

PICKS: 7-10-1

Another turf race with an overflow field, and this time we are looking to the AE list with our top selection No. 14 Kalispera stretching out for her third start in the States. She’ll need pace to chase but is dangerous. No. 4 Hola Gata similarly will run from the back.

PICKS: 14-4-13-2-8

The Kentucky Derby distance is on display here in this 1 ¼-mile maiden race. You’ll get a good look at that spiffy 20-horse starting gate at the top of the stretch. I love betting speed in these types of races, and No. 5 Mystical Chant should be able to lead this group all the way.

PICKS : 5-1-4

The first stakes of the meeting is the Roxelana for older female sprinters. As expected for a six-furlong main track dash, there is plenty of speed here, so we’ll take a pressing type in No. 9 Socially Selective to run this crew down.

PICKS: 9-3-6

We close out the card with a $50,000 maiden claimer, and No. 9 Rubia was favored against eight others when pulled up going longer against better at Oaklawn. It doesn’t matter too much considering she was so noncompetitive, but it is worth noting the second- and third-place finishers out of that race came back to win. She should be able to handle this group.

PICKS: 9-4-6

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Northfield Park, located southeast of Cleveland, offers live year-round harness racing. The facility, built in 1934, features a half-mile track with a 440 foot stretch. Northfield Park conducts races more than 200 nights a year.

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✾  Can’t-miss events ✾  New exhibits ✾  Exclusive Derby 150 tours ✾  Official Derby 150 merchandise ✾  History of Kentucky Derby book release

#Raceto150 | Learn more! >

Kentucky Derby Museum Ball

Join us as we toast to 150 years of the Kentucky Derby®!

Friday, April 26, 2024

Derby Season Tours

Go behind-the-scenes with our guide and for a chance to see Derby contenders working out on the track.

New Book Release!

We couldn't be more proud to share "The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects" by the Kentucky Derby Museum and Jessica K. Whitehead, now available in store and online!

The exhibit underwent a $1 million upgrade to include cutting-edge technology for the immersive jockey simulator, allowing guests to experience what it's like to ride in the Derby.

Biscuits & Bourbon

Enjoy a southern-inspired brunch along with live music, unlimited Kentucky Bourbon, mimosas and Bloody Marys! Top off your brunch with a day at the races at Churchill Downs® Racetrack during Derby Week.

Wednesday, May 1

Barn and Backside Tour

Only on the Backside of the track can you experience breathtaking views of the Twin Spires and see the iconic horse barns up close!

Review of the Week

One of the Highlights of our travels. We got a tour of the grounds, walked through the paddock to the edge of the track and got to stand in the Winner's Circle. The museum itself is wonderful and between it and the tour guide it was very informative. Plus my wife got to enjoy a mint julep in the bar afterwards.

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