The 2024 racing season at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, promises to be another unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, Churchill Downs is known for hosting some of the most prestigious horse races in the world, including the legendary Kentucky Derby.
The 2024 racing calendar at Churchill Downs offers a diverse array of events, from thrilling stakes races to exciting handicapping contests. The highlight of the season, of course, is the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th. This iconic event attracts the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country and is a must-see for any racing fan.
Churchill Downs Racing Schedule 2024
The 2024 racing season at Churchill Downs Racetrack will be filled with excitement and unforgettable moments. Here are seven important points to keep in mind:
- Kentucky Derby 150th Running: May 4th, 2024
- Spring Meet: April 27th – June 29th
- Downs After Dark: Select Fridays and Saturdays
- Matt Winn Stakes: April 29th
- Churchill Downs Stakes: May 6th
- Stephen Foster Stakes: June 10th
- Firecracker Friday: July 3rd
Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Churchill Downs offers an unparalleled experience that will create lasting memories.
Kentucky Derby 150th Running: May 4th, 2024
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a historic event. This iconic race, known as the “Run for the Roses,” will take place on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and it is the first leg of the Triple Crown series. The race is run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles on the dirt track at Churchill Downs. The winner of the Kentucky Derby is awarded the coveted gold trophy and a garland of red roses.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and well-attended horse races in the world. In 2023, a record crowd of over 150,000 people witnessed Rich Strike’s stunning upset victory. The 150th running of the race is expected to draw an even larger crowd, as fans from around the world gather to celebrate this momentous occasion.
In addition to the excitement of the race itself, the Kentucky Derby is also known for its elaborate festivities and traditions. The day is filled with live music, fashion contests, and celebrity sightings. The race is also preceded by the Kentucky Oaks, a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old fillies, which is run on the Friday before the Derby.
Spring Meet: April 27th – June 29th
The Spring Meet at Churchill Downs Racetrack is a 64-day racing season that offers a variety of stakes races, special events, and promotions.
- Kentucky Derby Week: The highlight of the Spring Meet is, of course, Kentucky Derby Week. This week-long celebration culminates in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4th, 2024.
- Grade 1 Stakes Races: In addition to the Kentucky Derby, the Spring Meet also features several other Grade 1 stakes races, including the Churchill Downs Stakes, the Stephen Foster Stakes, and the Humana Distaff Stakes.
- Downs After Dark: On select Fridays and Saturdays during the Spring Meet, Churchill Downs hosts Downs After Dark, a unique racing experience that features live music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere.
- Matt Winn Stakes: The Matt Winn Stakes is a Grade 3 stakes race for three-year-old colts and geldings. It is run at a distance of 1 1/16 miles on the dirt track at Churchill Downs and is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
The Spring Meet at Churchill Downs is a must-attend event for any racing enthusiast. With its exciting races, special events, and lively atmosphere, the Spring Meet offers something for everyone.
Downs After Dark: Select Fridays and Saturdays
Downs After Dark is a unique racing experience that Churchill Downs Racetrack offers on select Fridays and Saturdays during the Spring and Fall Meets. This popular event features live music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere, making it a great option for a night out with friends or family.
- Live Music: Downs After Dark features a variety of live music genres, from rock and pop to country and electronic. The music starts at 6:00 PM and continues until after the last race.
- Food Trucks: A variety of food trucks are on hand at Downs After Dark, offering a wide range of culinary options, from burgers and fries to tacos and pizza.
- Festive Atmosphere: Downs After Dark has a lively and festive atmosphere, with colorful lights, vibrant decor, and enthusiastic crowds. It’s a great place to socialize and enjoy the races.
- Racing: Of course, the main attraction at Downs After Dark is the racing. Downs After Dark races typically start at 6:30 PM and continue until around 10:00 PM.
Downs After Dark is a great way to experience the excitement of horse racing in a fun and social setting. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, Downs After Dark is sure to provide a memorable night out.
Matt Winn Stakes: April 29th
The Matt Winn Stakes is a Grade 3 stakes race for three-year-old colts and geldings. It is run at a distance of 1 1/16 miles on the dirt track at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Matt Winn Stakes is named after Matt Winn, who was the president of Churchill Downs from 1902 to 1949. Winn was a driving force behind the development of Churchill Downs into one of the premier racing venues in the United States.
The Matt Winn Stakes is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby. It is typically run on the Saturday before the Derby, and it gives Derby contenders a chance to earn valuable qualifying points.
Some notable past winners of the Matt Winn Stakes include:
- Smarty Jones (2004)
- Big Brown (2008)
- I’ll Have Another (2012)
- Nyquist (2016)
- Country House (2019)
The Matt Winn Stakes is an important race on the Kentucky Derby prep calendar. It is a chance to see some of the top three-year-old colts and geldings in the country compete in a stakes race atmosphere.
Churchill Downs Stakes: May 6th
The Churchill Downs Stakes is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old colts and geldings. It is run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles on the dirt track at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Churchill Downs Stakes is one of the most prestigious races for three-year-olds in the United States. It is often used as a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, which is run two weeks later.
- History: The Churchill Downs Stakes was first run in 1875. It was originally known as the Kentucky Stakes, but was renamed in 1929 to honor Churchill Downs Racetrack.
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Past Winners: Some notable past winners of the Churchill Downs Stakes include:
- Man o’ War (1920)
- Whirlaway (1941)
- Secretariat (1973)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Rich Strike (2023)
- Qualification for the Kentucky Derby: The Churchill Downs Stakes offers qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The winner of the race receives 100 points, while the second-place finisher receives 40 points, and the third-place finisher receives 20 points.
- Preparation for the Kentucky Derby: The Churchill Downs Stakes is an important prep race for the Kentucky Derby because it gives horses a chance to compete at Churchill Downs and get a feel for the track.
The Churchill Downs Stakes is a major event on the Kentucky Derby prep calendar. It is a chance to see some of the top three-year-old colts and geldings in the country compete in a stakes race atmosphere.
Stephen Foster Stakes: June 10th
The Stephen Foster Stakes is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-olds and up. It is run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles on the dirt track at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Stephen Foster Stakes is one of the most prestigious races for older horses in the United States. It is often used as a prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is run in November.
- History: The Stephen Foster Stakes was first run in 1982. It was named after Stephen Foster, a Kentucky-born composer who wrote the state song, “My Old Kentucky Home.”
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Past Winners: Some notable past winners of the Stephen Foster Stakes include:
- Alysheba (1988)
- Unbridled (1990)
- Holy Bull (1994)
- Curlin (2008)
- Gun Runner (2017)
- Qualification for the Breeders’ Cup Classic: The Stephen Foster Stakes offers qualifying points for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The winner of the race receives 100 points, while the second-place finisher receives 40 points, and the third-place finisher receives 20 points.
- Preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic: The Stephen Foster Stakes is an important prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic because it gives horses a chance to compete at Churchill Downs and get a feel for the track.
The Stephen Foster Stakes is a major event on the summer racing calendar. It is a chance to see some of the top older horses in the country compete in a stakes race atmosphere.
Firecracker Friday: July 3rd
Firecracker Friday is a special event that Churchill Downs Racetrack hosts on the Friday before Independence Day. The event features live racing, a fireworks show, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Firecracker Friday is a popular event for families and groups of friends. The live racing is always exciting, and the fireworks show is one of the best in the city. There are also a variety of food and beverage options available, as well as live music and other entertainment.
- Live Racing: Firecracker Friday features a full card of live racing, with races starting at 1:00 PM. The highlight of the day is the Firecracker Stakes, a stakes race for three-year-old fillies.
- Fireworks Show: The fireworks show at Firecracker Friday is one of the largest and most spectacular in Louisville. The show starts at approximately 9:30 PM and lasts for about 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Firecracker Friday is a great event for families. There are a variety of family-friendly activities available, including face painting, balloon animals, and a petting zoo.
- Food and Beverage: There are a variety of food and beverage options available at Firecracker Friday. Churchill Downs offers a wide range of food and drink concessions, including traditional race day fare like hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as more upscale options like sushi and gourmet burgers.
Firecracker Friday is a great way to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends. The live racing, fireworks show, and family-friendly activities make it a fun and festive event for all.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Churchill Downs Racing Schedule 2024:
Question 1: When is the Kentucky Derby?
Answer 1: The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
Question 2: What are the dates of the Spring Meet?
Answer 2: The Spring Meet at Churchill Downs will be held from April 27th to June 29th, 2024.
Question 3: What are the dates of Downs After Dark?
Answer 3: Downs After Dark will be held on select Fridays and Saturdays during the Spring and Fall Meets.
Question 4: When is the Matt Winn Stakes?
Answer 4: The Matt Winn Stakes will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 2024.
Question 5: When is the Churchill Downs Stakes?
Answer 5: The Churchill Downs Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 2024.
Question 6: When is the Stephen Foster Stakes?
Answer 6: The Stephen Foster Stakes will be held on Monday, June 10th, 2024.
Question 7: When is Firecracker Friday?
Answer 7: Firecracker Friday will be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2024.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. For more information, please visit the Churchill Downs website.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Churchill Downs Racing Schedule 2024, here are a few tips to help you plan your visit:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit to Churchill Downs for the 2024 racing season:
1. Purchase tickets in advance. Churchill Downs is a popular destination, so it is important to purchase tickets in advance, especially for major events like the Kentucky Derby. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone.
2. Dress appropriately. Churchill Downs has a dress code that requires collared shirts and slacks or skirts for men, and dresses, skirts, or pantsuits for women. Hats are also encouraged.
3. Arrive early. The gates to Churchill Downs open two hours before the first race. This will give you plenty of time to find your seats, place your bets, and enjoy the atmosphere.
4. Be prepared for the weather. Louisville weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a hat and sunscreen. Churchill Downs also has a number of indoor seating options available.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a fun and memorable experience at Churchill Downs.
We hope this article has been helpful in planning your visit to Churchill Downs for the 2024 racing season. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, we hope you enjoy the excitement and tradition of Churchill Downs.
Conclusion
The Churchill Downs Racing Schedule 2024 is packed with exciting events for racing fans of all ages. From the Kentucky Derby to Firecracker Friday, there is something for everyone.
We hope this article has been helpful in planning your visit to Churchill Downs. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, we hope you enjoy the excitement and tradition of Churchill Downs.
Here is a summary of the main points covered in this article:
- The Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
- The Spring Meet will be held from April 27th to June 29th, 2024.
- Downs After Dark will be held on select Fridays and Saturdays during the Spring and Fall Meets.
- The Matt Winn Stakes will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 2024.
- The Churchill Downs Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 2024.
- The Stephen Foster Stakes will be held on Monday, June 10th, 2024.
- Firecracker Friday will be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2024.
We recommend purchasing tickets in advance, dressing appropriately, arriving early, and being prepared for the weather. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a fun and memorable experience at Churchill Downs.
Thank you for reading!