Churchill Downs

Think about it: Every year, an obscure venue called Churchill Downs plays host to a throng of overdressed middle-aged white people who drink sugared whiskey, don ridiculous hats, and wait hours to sing a maudlin song before watching undersized ethnic men in brightly colored tunics mount large, powerful animals and race them at breakneck speed around a dirt track while whipping the beasts.

Matthew DeBord: The Kentucky Derby: The Most Surreal and Seedy Spectacle in All of Sports 2009

In 1883 the track was officially named "Churchill Downs," another 20 years before Twin Spires topped a new grandstand, 28 years before the racetrack became profitable, and 50 years before the Derby earned its "Run for the Roses" moniker.

unknown title 2009

In 1883 the track was officially named "Churchill Downs," another 20 years before Twin Spires topped a new grandstand, 28 years before the racetrack became profitable, and 50 years before the Derby earned its "Run for the Roses" moniker.

unknown title 2009

In 1883 the track was officially named "Churchill Downs," another 20 years before Twin Spires topped a new grandstand, 28 years before the racetrack became profitable, and 50 years before the Derby earned its "Run for the Roses" moniker.

unknown title 2009

Last year, the 1875-founded Churchill Downs added lights to its track, making way for the Friday night social-coaster that is Downs After Dark, a stylish but less formal, exorbitant and crowded affair than the Derby.

Days at the Races 2011

Jeff Haynes/Reuters DERBY DAYS: Horses waited to go onto the track for early morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Thursday.

Photos of the Day: May 5 2011

The dirt Churchill Downs will be his third surface in as many races.

Nineteen Horses, One Impossibly Tough Decision Pia Catton 2011

The reason, he says, is that Churchill Downs has two gates joined together—one that has 14 stalls and the other six.

The Most Critical Two Seconds in Sports Reed Albergotti 2011

This Saturday at Churchill Downs, she'll climb aboard Pants on Fire to try to become the first female jockey ever to win the Kentucky Derby.

A Jersey Girl Takes Aim at the Derby Jared Diamond 2011

Friday at Churchill Downs, horse-racing fans gathered for the running of the Kentucky Oaks before Saturday's marquee event.

The Day Before the Derby 2011