Churchill Downs

The track opened in 1875 and the Kentucky Derby has been run every year since, which makes it the longest continuously held sporting event in the country - it continued through both world wars, though in 1945 it was postponed and in 2020 moved from May to September. The twin spires on the grandstand were added in 1895 by a young draughtsman and became the track's emblem. The Derby itself is a mile and a quarter for three-year-olds, run on the first Saturday in May, and takes about two minutes. The Kentucky Derby Museum next door is open year round with track tours. Racing meets run in spring, autumn and late in the year rather than continuously.

What you actually see

• A race run every year since 1875 - the longest unbroken such event.
• The twin spires of 1895 - the track's emblem.
• A two-minute race - after a day of buildup.
• The museum and track tours - open year round.

When to go

Racing meets in spring and autumn; the Derby is the first Saturday in May. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Derby day is expensive, packed and mostly not about the race. Infield tickets see very little of the track. Racing does not run year round - check the meet calendar. Dress codes apply in some areas.

Nearby

Louisville's downtown and the Slugger Museum are north.