go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Louisville

Churchill Downs

Correct these details

Lonely Planet review for Churchill Downs

On the first Saturday in May, a who's who of upper-crust America puts on their pinstripe suits and most flamboyant hats and descends for the 'greatest two minutes in sports,' the Kentucky Derby. After the race, the crowd sings 'My Old Kentucky Home' and watches as the winning horse is covered in a blanket of roses. Then they party.

To be honest, they've been partying for a while. The Kentucky Derby Festival, which includes a balloon race and the largest fireworks display in North America, starts two weeks before the big event.

Most seats at the derby are by invitation only or they've been reserved years in advance. On Derby Day, $40 gets you into the paddock party scene (no seat) if you arrive early, but it's so crowded you won't see much of the race. Don't fret, though. From April through to November, you can get a $3 seat at the Downs for many exciting races, often warm-ups for the big events.