History of Churchill Downs in Timeline
Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a historic horse racing complex that opened in 1875. It is most famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, a prestigious Thoroughbred sweepstakes and part of the Triple Crown, as well as the Kentucky Oaks. The first Derby and Oaks were held in 1875, marking the beginning of a long and storied tradition. Named after Samuel Churchill, the track has also hosted the Breeders' Cup nine times, solidifying its importance in the horse racing world.
1902: Applegate turned operations over to Charles F. Grainger
In early 1902, Applegate turned over the day-to-day operation of the track to Charles F. Grainger, then the mayor of Louisville, in an effort to move Churchill Downs away from being primarily known for gambling. Col. Matt Winn helped run the track, and the Kentucky Derby became the preeminent stakes race.
June 5, 1907: James Lee Wins Six Races
On June 5, 1907, James Lee, an African American jockey, set a record that remains unbroken by winning all six races at Churchill Downs.
1908: Introduction of parimutuel betting machines
In 1908, Churchill Downs introduced parimutuel betting machines, which increased the profitability of wagering at the track.
1986: Designated a National Historic Landmark
In 1986, Churchill Downs was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance.
2001: Renovation project started
In 2001, Churchill Downs began a three-and-a-half-year, $121 million renovation project.
2004: Pierre Bellocq mural
In 2004, Pierre Bellocq added a mural depicting the 96 jockeys that had won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs from 1875.
2005: Renovation project completed
In 2005, Churchill Downs completed a three-and-a-half-year, $121 million renovation project that started in 2001. The clubhouse was replaced and luxury suites were added.
2008: Pierre Bellocq mural updated
In the summer of 2008, Pierre Bellocq updated the Jockey's painting, adding Calvin Borel and Edgar Prado to it, and added another mural depicting all of the trainers at Churchill Downs.
June 19, 2009: First-ever night race
On June 19, 2009, Churchill Downs held its first-ever night race, drawing an attendance of over 27,000 people.
2009: Night races established
In 2009, night races were established at Churchill Downs.
2009: Horseplayers Association of North America Track Rating
In 2009, the Horseplayers Association of North America ranked Churchill Downs number 5 out of 65 Thoroughbred racetracks in North America.
2010: Inaugural HullabaLOU Music Festival
In 2010, Churchill Downs organized the inaugural HullabaLOU Music Festival from July 23–25, but the entertainment division lost more than $5 million, and the event was discontinued.
June 22, 2011: EF2 tornado strikes Churchill Downs
On June 22, 2011, an EF2 tornado struck the Louisville area, causing damage to stables and the chapel at Churchill Downs. Over 200 horses were evacuated.
October 2013: Installation of new video board
In October 2013, Churchill Downs began installing a new, ultra high-definition video board built by Panasonic, which became operational in time for the 2014 Kentucky Derby.
2013: Third meet added
In 2013, a third meet was added to the racing schedule at Churchill Downs, taking place in September.
2014: Increase in parimutuel takeout rates
In 2014, Churchill Downs announced an increase in parimutuel takeout rates, which caused their ranking to fall to number 22 in the Horseplayers Association of North America Track Ratings.
2014: Video board operational
In 2014, the new, ultra high-definition video board became operational in time for the Kentucky Derby.
2014: Thurby name recognized
Since 2014, the name Thurby, a portmanteau for Thursday plus Derby, for the Thursday racing in Derby week, has been recognized by Churchill Downs.
2018: Hosted Breeders' Cup
In 2018, Churchill Downs hosted the Breeders' Cup on November 2nd and 3rd. It was the ninth time the event was held at the venue.
2019: 12 CEOs since 1875
From 1875 through 2019, Churchill Downs has had 12 CEOs.
June 2023: Spring-summer meet transferred to Ellis Park
In June 2023, after an investigation into horse fatalities, Churchill Downs transferred its spring-summer racing meet to Ellis Park Race Course in Henderson, Kentucky, to re-evaluate safety measures.
2023: Graded Events Held
Graded events were held at Churchill Downs in 2023.
2023: First Turn Club completed
In 2023, the First Turn Club, a new grandstand on the clubhouse turn, was completed and opened before the Kentucky Derby, with capacity for more than 7,000 people.
2024: Graded Events Held
Graded events were held at Churchill Downs in 2024.
February 2025: New projects announced
In February 2025, track management announced two new projects, including a reconstructed grandstand and new permanent structures on the infield at Churchill Downs.
2026: New permanent structures on the infield expected to open
In 2026, new permanent structures on the infield facing the homestretch are expected to open in stages between 2026 and 2028.
2027: Reconstructed grandstand expected to open
In 2027, a reconstructed grandstand between the finish line and the First Turn Club with capacity for over 13,000 people is expected to open at Churchill Downs.
2028: New permanent structures on the infield expected to open
In 2028, new permanent structures on the infield facing the homestretch are expected to open in stages between 2026 and 2028.
