Churchill Downs Racing Entries (2024)

FAQs

Which famous horse race takes place in Kentucky each year and has been run at Churchill Downs since 1875? ›

Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious American horse race, established in 1875 and run annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky.

The Kentucky Derby (/ˈdɜːrbi/) is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is run by three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of 11⁄4 miles (10 furlongs; 2,012 metres).

In 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened its gates in Louisville, and began its tradition as “Home of the Kentucky Derby”. The Derby is now the longest continually running sporting event in America and is known as the most exciting two minutes in sports.

The great Man o' War, the most famous Thoroughbred race horse of the 20th century, is buried at the park in a memorial with a statue dedicated to his life. Buried with him are some of his offspring, including Triple Crown winner War Admiral, who was upset by Seabiscuit in their famous match race in 1938.

In the Kentucky Derby's 150 year history, six women have ridden in just nine Derby races. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In 2024, women can be found working across all positions and at all levels of horse racing.

Whether you were placing bets at Churchill Downs or from home, millions were hoping to come out a winner. This year's derby brought in roughly $210 million, just in bets. Mystik Dan, who won on a photo-finish, had 20-1 odds, meaning if you placed a $2 bet, you won just over $40.

Legendary horse Secretariat boasts the fastest finish in the history of the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:57.40. The story behind the horse was adopted into a hit Disney film in 2010. Trailing behind Secretariat is Monarchos with a time of 1:59.97.

Most Famous Derby Winning Horse Is The GOAT

Considered by many as the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all-time, Secretariat didn't just win the 1973 Kentucky Derby. He became the first horse to run the 1-1/4 miles in less than two minutes.

This year, the average ticket price is $1,254.43 ahead of the first Saturday in May. Here's a glimpse at average ticket prices — which includes ticket prices from the infield up to the most exclusive seating options Churchill Downs offers — over the last decade: 2024: $1,254.43. 2023: $1,214.41.

The average jockey salary in the United States is $52,645. Jockey salaries typically range between $35,000 and $77,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for jockeys is $25.31 per hour. Jockey salary is impacted by location, education, and experience.

Can you wear jeans to Churchill Downs? ›

Do's: Jackets and blazers, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, slacks and capri pants are appropriate. Don'ts: Jeans/denim, shorts, t-shirts, crop or midriff tops, athletic wear, swim wear, and flip-flops are all considered inappropriate attire & are not permitted in these areas.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. General admission for the night is $20. Reserved box seats range from $28-$38. Fans can also find all-inclusive dining packages.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous events in the world of sport, with the event labelled as the 'most exciting two minutes in sports'. This race kicks off the Triple Crown series in the United States, with Churchill Downs hosting the iconic race for horses aged three.

Each May, more than 150,000 fans gather at Churchill Downs to attend the most famous horse race in America: the Kentucky Derby.

Oliver Lewis, an African American jockey, won the first Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875. From then through the beginning of the Jim Crow era , African American jockeys maintained a strong showing in the sport.

Historical horse racing (HHR), originally known as Instant Racing, is an electronic gambling product that allows players to bet on replays of horse races or dog races that have already been run, using terminals that typically resemble slot machines.