Churchill Downs 1

The second goal of our trip was to visit the Kentucky Derby museum at Churchill Downs. We also took a tour of the infield. I'm quite certain that this will be as close as I ever get to the Kentucky Derby! The tour guide did a nice job summarizing the history of Churchill Downs. It had a pretty rough start and history with far more humble beginnings that the monster today. The "recent" owners had a vision and really made it into the spectacle it is today. I'm always impressed hearing such stories as I am pretty confident that I am missing that gene (and that's OK). Some people can just think and dream big but I'm not one of them.

The tour entered the starting gate entrance (first photo) and we were proceeded to the ground level seats. The starting gate is a fair distance (1/4 mile?) from the finish line but there is an 8 story video board (didn't photo) essentially across from these seats to see the race and finish. The "millionaire club" seats are across from the finish line as seen in the second photo. Our starting gate seats run about $2000 each on derby day. They didn't say what any of the seats or boxes (second photo) down at the finish line cost. I'm sure it was a matter of if you have to ask, you can't afford it. The third photo is a closer view of the finish line and trophy presentation area. You also see the winner board and posted odds.

Thanks,

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