They call it the place of the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."…read more This was actually our second visit to Churchill Downs and I think it was more exciting than the first which consisted of a 2-3 hour tour of everything! This tour took us on a short 30-45 minute basic tour so we really spent more time outside in the grandstand than anywhere else with our guide. She was very well-informed and knowledgeable and made our time together valuable. She pointed out special places of the racetrack; the best seats, the Starting Gate, Finish Line suites, Winners Circle Suites, Paddock seating... and, of course, the General Admission section. There were many options for all types of budgets. The first thing I did when I returned to the hotel was to sign on a look to buy two seats. Our group from the American Cruise lines river cruise that we had just finished had a screening [on the ship] of Secretariat, so we were all excited to be there and see the special exhibit about her in their very comprehensive and fun museum. One day I want to be able to attend a Derby Day. It must me exhilarating to be part of the tens of thousands of people all there with the express concern of having a good time [and wanting to see their horse win.] Lots of pictures and people having a good time ecven if it's 103 degrees outside. KUDOs to the team at Churchills Downs

Churchill Downs is an incredible, surprisingly intimate destination--much smaller than anticipated,…read moreyet full of character. The $20 admission fee is a bit steep for what's included, but it makes for a pleasant, low-key way to spend a lazy afternoon about 12 to 15 minutes from downtown. The visit included panoramic indoor video, outdoor short guided tour to the stands. Once tour was over we walked into the gift store and indoor museum and saw one live tiny pony and horse on the back side of the museum. I was disappointed in not seeing the stables or horses or being greeting with someone in those adorning, outrageous hats!

Thurby is becoming quite popular and is now a tourist attraction itself. Typically by Thursday,…read moremost of the vendors are set up to welcome visitors and create photo opportunities. The track opens at 10a and the races start at 12:45pm. I encourage an early arrival to have the easiest experience with parking, shuttles, roaming the track, snapping pictures and checking out the program for your first bet. We use the Twinspires app, but they have several wager windows open. Races run every 30 minutes and it's a quick day. Our visit was in the Skye Terrace, which connects to Millionaires Row. Outside balconies allow outside viewing while still being covered for bad weather. Our ticket also included food and drinks. Based on cocktail prices, I love the set pricing. Food is average. I love Derby Week! Don't hesitate coming to Thurby or any day during this time.

Once upon a time, this truly was the day for the locals…read more Once upon a time, before it was branded with a very silly name and rolled in to the Derby week hubbub, it was fun but kinda chill and manageable. But that was once upon a time....and now we are here and it is called Thurby, and it is almost as big a deal as Oaks (give it a couple more years....and locals will be priced out of it soon enough). This year, I was invited as a plus one to a catered, open-bar, indoor-outdoor area group event. I don't know what it cost, as that was covered by the group she was going with. So I primarily attended because I could go for free AND have my food and drink for the day be included. The most affordable Derby-week activity! Parking was more obnoxious than we had hoped and expected, but after weighing all options...we discovered that parking at the Expo Center and a shuttle to and from the Downs from there was included with our tickets so we opted to do it that way. There was still PLENTY (too much) walking to be done, but less than if we parked at the on-the-day pay lot/rideshare pick up and drop off area. So that was a win. I was grateful to discover that regular, not-see-through-able purses are still allowed in here because I didn't want to have to try to get one on crazy short notice....and while I would have preferred to travel light...I wanted to have a change of shoes to inevitably become more comfortable and switch my heels to flats. It was a good choice, btw. Or...I might could have just done flats for the whole day. But I also won't pass up a chance to get fancied up! The food was fine. Better than expected and better than it looked. The drinks were pretty decent, and at least one bartender was fabulous! (the other, we discovered halfway through the day, had a hidden earpiece and was communicating with someone else where...we thiiiiink about stock needs. This explained a lot about his unfriendliness and apparent nonsensical words anytime he did speak). The lines for betting were totally manageable in our area, and the employees working were patient and helpful. I had a great day! It was a fantastic time, primarily thanks to the company I kept...

The Homestretch Club at Churchill Downs is open daily for every meet not just during Derby week…read more The Homestretch Club is a membership that includes seating along with food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It is a beautiful venue with its own bathrooms, expansive bars and well appointed buffet. There are refrigerators with water, beer and colas. The Homestretch Club has many seating options both inside and outside. Horseshoe booths line the rail. The first floor features standing height tables along with couches and access to outdoor stadium seating. The upstairs features two levels of covered tables and swanky private suites. It is a very nice, climate-controlled area that adds a new level of fun at Churchill Downs.

Had the best time last night year can't wait till I go back again this year in a couple of weeks…read more Food and the drinks were the best!!!!

So this is now called the "Winners circle", transitioning to a full service betting parlour as I…read morewould call it. Formerly, this was the off track betting spot to go to bet the horses. Now you can also bet on major sports and you'd best believe this is a popular spot. There's some growing pains, yes....the lines to bet have been long and the decor is very cheesy and old. But, I'm told more tellers are being hired and that various upgrades are planned. I'm excited!

The staff is helpful. There is a major problem in that the smoking section is also the only place…read moreyou can bet on horse racing. I was told you couldn't even cash your ticket on the non smoking side. People with acid reflux and esophagus problems (I have had one all my life with my chain smoker dad purposely blowing all his smoke straight into my mouth area any time he could do so), have to deal with heavy smoke, and that is just flat out stupid management.

Beautiful space! We attended an event for 200+ people which included a group presentation, lunch…read morebuffet and access to all the suites. Along with windows for natural light, the space offers multiple televisions for viewing races and displaying event promotions. We had plenty of room to move about grabbing lunch and drinks. Decor is simple yet modern and the suites are full of comfortable seating. Each suite provides a balcony to walk outside and watch races while also hearing the excitement of the track and its visitors. With rentals you'd have a personal bartender and snacks inside your personal suite. Bathrooms needed help. The fixtures seemed broken so soap was provided on the counter. The design (and the guests) left water everywhere so it was tough not getting your clothes wet when washing your hands. For our group one betting window was open, and this was plenty. Others used the ticket machines inside the suite. For parking, go to Gate 10 and drive to white lot 1 to enter through the executive gate.

We have been to Keeneland numerous times but today was different. We purchased tickets for 4 to…read moreenjoy a day at the 1936 Room. It was fantastic and I wish we would have gotten here at 11am instead of 1pm. Admission price includes a ticket, heavy appetizers and selected drinks from 11am-4pm. It was well worth it. You also have access to the outdoor area at one end of the Paddock and there is an outside bar and betting machines steps away. We didn't have to wait on drinks at the bar and the apps were well stocked and servers were walking around with apps that were not on the stocked area. The atmosphere and service were outstanding. As a plus to the experience you get to see the jockeys walk into and out of the Paddock after each race within a few steps of you. My suggestion is to grab a high top where the jockeys walk by. It was a great day.

A great horse racing venue with beautiful grounds. Appreciate you can watch morning horse training…read morefor free with easy parking The staff at betting windows is not interested in helping show you the app and many areas of the venue are closed though unless a major event. A bit more personable care and interaction would make it 5 stars

Anytime I have an opportunity to visit Ashford, I'm there. The farm continues to enthrall. But for…read moreall it's beauty, it is Triple Crown winner American Pharoah that brings me back over and over. 54

The tour we had was awesome! Our tour guide was very informative and answered many of our questions…read morewith enthusiasm. As a uninformed tourist, I learned a lot about the studs and their lineage, the breeding process, and about the Coolmore farms. They showed us the barns and told us interesting facts about the horses that stayed there. They also showed American Pharaoh and Epicenter out of their stalls, which was a great photo opportunity.