-
November 2023 by Amanda V.
If the objective was to be like dicks laugh resort in the stakes on floor 4.... You're doing a wonderfully job
-
November 2023 by Sara L.
I only saw a small portion of the venue, so this review is based on that. We arrived to the venue knowing we wanted to see the museum but no other real plans... we thought we may take in some races or not. We weren't sure. We found parking for the museum really quick. However, after that it was not clear which way we should go or where anything was. There is construction going on and that made it more confusing, where the regular ticket booths are was closed. We took in the statue our front and found a post with signs directing us. After our museum tour we ended up opting out of staying for the races, but I still wasn't sure where you would even enter for that.... During the museum tour we did see the track which was very cool, the stadium and seating (there are different levels and sections). I loved the history of it and how all the winners names are on plaques around the venue. Very cool. Oh I will mention, I was dressed in athletic wear (leggings and hoodie) and did feel a bit like I may need to dress nicer to attend a race. People around the venue were dressed very nice - think church dress all the way up to fancy easter dress. I asked the museum person if there is a dress code and they assured me my attire was fine, however there are some areas of the venue that have a dress code requirement. If I were coming here to the races I'd plan to dress a bit nicer.
-
November 2023 by Rebecca H.
We had an absolutely fantastic time visiting Churchill Downs.We almost didn't make it during our "Bourbon Trail" trip to Louisville but I managed to squeeze in a visit during our last half day in town and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.We both packed dresses and the biggest rimmed hats we could find in the closet. It was a little bit chilly but we had to make the most of what would likely be the closest thing we would experience to a Kentucky Derby. We must have really looked the part because as we were incorrectly heading to the museum part of the complex, someone on a golf cart drove up to us and said "are you ladies heading to the races?" and immmediately waved us in after we responded in the affirmative. He kindly drove us to the race part entrance. We had absolutely no clue where we were going but the staff directed us to the seating location indicated on our tickets. I didn't even intend to purchase tickets in the rose room (or whatever it's called) but that was a nice surprise! We had just eaten so did not consume any of the edible offerings. We did, however, hydrate with the bar offerings. I, a glass of Prosecco, and GF, a Bloody Mary. We took our seats and flipped through the provided program to choose what horses to place our bets on. Mind you, this was done purely on name alone which I do not recommend because even though I bet on the best odds, just to place in the top three, not one of our horses made it anywhere close. In fact, our horses frequently were mentioned in the context of "so and so is having trouble keeping up with the pack...". Despite losing a few bucks, it was incredibly fun and a really great experience. I highly recommend visiting. Also, btw, the bathrooms are wonderful,.
-
May 2023 by Debi R.
I thought my first Kentucky Derby would be our Only Derby but we came back 9 yrs later. It's definitely something everyone should experience . Do your research and find seats the best you can afford where you can see well. Between the big hats and crowds it's a challenge to see the horses from some locations on the track. This year everything is all inclusive everywhere but the infield. All drinks (alcohol and non alcohol) and food is included in price of your ticket. (Mint juleps in glass useTo be $17 ea). Food included sliders, lobster rolls, chicken wings, Sandwiches etc. lines were sometimes long. It's a long day. Arrive sometime around 10-11AM and leave @8PM. Comfortable shoes a must. Big hats are pretty but wind and crowds, you're happy to get it off your head at end of the day. Read up on betting before you go. Bets placed are cash only. It's a great time!!
-
May 2023 by Jaye S.
How fun it was to visit the place where Derby takes place every first Saturday of May! We enjoyed the early morning event of Dawn at the Downs the week before Derby. It was amazing to see the horses, from the edge of the track, train for this event. The horses are beautiful and the jockeys are so strong! We enjoyed an authentic mint julep, and got to keep the souvenir glass!
-
April 2023 by Amy R.
Awesome free Derby Dawn at The Downs! A must do!! Wonderful Louisville Derby experience for locals and out of town guests. You can do a full on breakfast buffet or coffee at the grill!
-
January 2023 by Anna S.
I have been to many Thurby, Oaks, and one Derby at Churchhill Downs and to Downs After Dark many times as well! I have mainly experienced Oaks and Derby from the Infield but it is always a great time! There isn't really a view of the track from the Infield but there is a large screen to view the races. Everyone gets dressed up and wears pink on Oaks day and it's always fun! The Infield is a more relaxed way to see the races, you can bring food in, a blanket, or chairs to sit on and make a spot to hang for the day. There are betting windows in the infield, restrooms, bars, and food stands. The staff is always friendly. The food and drinks can be pricey, especially on derby week, so you may want to bring your own just make sure to check the website for rules!I have been to Millionaires Row for Thurby and a regular racing day and it was very nice, a bit outdated for decor in my opinion but the food is great and the staff and service are wonderful! There are betting windows in the room and a bar too. The Pink Julep is a favorite drink at Derby time! Downs After Dark is night racing at Churchill Downs, there are the usual races, betting windows, bars, and concession stands but also live music and food trucks making for a fun night. I did hear it was under construction now and will be finished by 2024, I'm looking forward to seeing the new additions and design.
-
December 2022 by Tess Priddy
Fantastic food, drinks and atmosphere!
-
September 2022 by Elaine D.
This Review is a notice that Churchill Downs is currently one massive construction site and not very pleasant. If you wish to go, I would advise that you reserve one of the dining area locations upstairs. It is the best choice at this time.89
-
September 2022 by Bill M.
This stop was part of our city tour. Got dropped off for an hour and half. Got to do a really cool tour here. Went out into the stands and saw the track as well as walk through the museum. There is a really cool video to finish the tour of the history. This is a really cool place and the history was deep. Definitely a must stop for history buffs or people that like horses. Recommend watching Secretariat before going. Or after as you will recognize parts of the movie
-
June 2022 by Tonya Lynne C.
My Tip: Wear comfortable shoe; flip flops was my choice. Sparkling flip flops but still...flip flops. By the end of the night, people were saying how smart it was and others were looking at my flip flops...wishing they had them on as they limped along. We had Millionaires Row tickets again for Day of the races at Churchill Downs. Another amazing dinner table right next to the window. I could literally get up from my table and walk straight outside on the most beautiful balcony with breath taking views of the races and the city. The vibe was Power. Strength. and Beauty. The horses were an amazing force. The views and breeze were intoxicating. There is nothing like the sounds at Churchill Downs.After a Mint Julep and the intoxication of the breeze, the pours seemed to get very generous and even stronger. Dinner was interestingly just ok. Lots of tables. We had a table with no one next to us...just the windows on one side and the open floor on the other. Just perfect. Churchill Downs is not about the food so expect it to be mediocre which did not impact this review. The only part of the experience that was off putting this year was the parking. It was so chaotic. You had employees directing people to the wrong area. Everyone wasted so much time dealing with parking. You really needed a drink by the time you made through the gates.The golf cart pick ups were great that took us to / from the gates to make up some time lost with the "who's on first" directions from the parking employees. The experience is ABSOLUTELY everything it is hyped up to be!!
-
April 2022 by charles hill
Great location, great staff, great service, good food and amazing hospitality. Really glad I joined
-
April 2022 by Suzy Doelling
Always an amazing experience at the Turf Club.
-
July 2020 by scott sager
Great venue. Great service.
-
July 2019 by annie
Great place to visit! Awesome food, wonderful employees. If you're gonna lose $$ betting (or winning $), you might as well enjoy the surroundings lol
