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 227 Apr 2026 · Race 2Race 327 Apr 2026 · Race 3Race 427 Apr 2026 · Race 4Race 527 Apr 2026 · Race 5Race 627 Apr 2026 · Race 6Race 727 Apr 2026 · Race 7Race 827 Apr 2026 · Race 8Race 927 Apr 2026 · Race 9Race 126 Apr 2026 · Race 1Race 226 Apr 2026 · Race 2Race 326 Apr 2026 · Race 3Race 426 Apr 2026 · Race 4Race 526 Apr 2026 · Race 5Race 626 Apr 2026 · Race 6Race 726 Apr 2026 · Race 7Race 826 Apr 2026 · Race 8Race 926 Apr 2026 · Race 9Race 1026 Apr 2026 · Race 10RACE 1 - MAIDEN CLAIMING27 Nov 2025 · Race 1 · 1609RACE 2 - CLAIMING27 Nov 2025 · Race 2 · 1207
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.