Churchill Downs
The track is named for John and Henry Churchill, who leased 80 acres (320,000 m²) of land to their nephew, Colonel M. Lewis Clark (grandson of explorer William Clark). The twin spires atop the grandstands are the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and are used as a symbol of the track and the Derby. They were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez and built in 1895. Today, Churchill Downs covers 147 acres. Seating capacity is 51,000, though crowds at the Derby can reach over 140,000 because of standing-room only admission to the paddock and infield. The dirt oval main track, on which the Derby is run, is one mile in circumference and is 79 to 80 feet wide, with a 120-foot wide section for the starting gate. A turf track, inside the main track, is 7/8 of a mile and 80 feet wide.
From 2001 to 2005, Churchill Downs underwent a three-and-a-half year, $121 million renovation. The clubhouse was replaced, 79 luxury suites were added, and the historic twin spires were refurbished. One of the additions in the clubhouse was a 36-foot mural by Pierre Bellocq depicting all 96 jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby from 1875 to 2004.
Racing at Churchill Downs occurs in two meets. The spring meet starts one week before the Derby and continues until July. The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Oaks is run on Friday, the day before the Derby. A fall meet picks up in October and closes in November.
In addition to the track, clubhouse and stables, Churchill Downs also contains the Kentucky Derby Museum which focuses on the history of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. The museum also contains a number of exhibits exploring the training and racing of thoroughbred horses. It includes a 360-degree cinema that shows the short film "The Greatest Race," a documentary about the Kentucky Derby. The museum is open year-round.
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See also
References
- Schriener, Bruce. 2005. "Historic track unveils $121 million facelift." Associated Press. April 28.
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