Kentucky, United States
Churchill Downs racecourse guide
Churchill Downs is the Louisville home of the Kentucky Derby and one of the defining venues in United States racing.
Fat Tony’sTrack fileHistory, big days & form
Know the course
A little history of Churchill Downs
The track opened in 1875 and staged the first Kentucky Derby that May. Its Twin Spires, added in the 1890s, became an enduring symbol of the racecourse and the Derby.
What to look for in the form
Dirt and turf form should be assessed separately. On Derby weekend, large fields and a fast early tempo can make position and traffic especially important.
Fat Tony says: Track knowledge helps, but it never replaces current form. Compare today’s distance, surface, draw and likely pace before making a call.
Put these in the diary
Major race days at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby Day
Kentucky Oaks Day
Stephen Foster Stakes Day
Form & results
Latest Churchill Downs races
Race 3 - Maiden Claiming1 May 2026 · Race 3 · 1609Race 4 - Maiden Claiming1 May 2026 · Race 4 · 1710Race 5 - Maiden Claiming1 May 2026 · Race 5 · 1609UAE President Cup Arabian Stakes (G1)1 May 2026 · Race 6 · 2012Race 7 - Maiden Special Weight1 May 2026 · Race 7 · 1710Race 8 - Starter Allowance1 May 2026 · Race 8 · 1408Opening Verse Stakes (L)1 May 2026 · Race 9 · 1609St. Matthews Overnight Stakes1 May 2026 · Race 10 · 1207Mamzelle Stakes (G3)1 May 2026 · Race 11 · 1106Race 12 - Maiden Claiming1 May 2026 · Race 12 · 1207Race 1 - Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 1 · 1207Race 2 - Maiden Special Weight29 Apr 2026 · Race 2 · 905Race 3 - Starter Allowance29 Apr 2026 · Race 3 · 1609Race 4 - Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 4 · 1207Race 5 - Maiden Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 5 · 1308Race 6 - Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 6 · 1710Race 7 - Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 7 · 1408Race 8 - Allowance Optional Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 8 · 1509Race 9 - Allowance Optional Claiming29 Apr 2026 · Race 9 · 1006Race 127 Apr 2026 · Race 1
Read the race properly
Build better track context
Learn how distance, going, barriers and recent runs work together before you ask Fat Tony for his opinion.