Kentucky, United States

Churchill Downs racecourse guide

Churchill Downs is the Louisville home of the Kentucky Derby and one of the defining venues in United States racing.

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29 Jun 2026Latest recorded meeting
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Know the course

A little history of Churchill Downs

The track opened in 1875 and staged the first Kentucky Derby that May. Its Twin Spires, added in the 1890s, became an enduring symbol of the racecourse and the Derby.

What to look for in the form

Dirt and turf form should be assessed separately. On Derby weekend, large fields and a fast early tempo can make position and traffic especially important.

Fat Tony says: Track knowledge helps, but it never replaces current form. Compare today’s distance, surface, draw and likely pace before making a call.

Put these in the diary

Major race days at Churchill Downs

Kentucky Derby Day
Kentucky Oaks Day
Stephen Foster Stakes Day

Form & results

Latest Churchill Downs races

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Read the race properly

Build better track context

Learn how distance, going, barriers and recent runs work together before you ask Fat Tony for his opinion.

Read the form guide