The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race will be the first leg of the Triple Crown series, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
In addition to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs will host a number of other major races in 2024, including the Kentucky Oaks, the Stephen Foster Handicap, and the Clark Handicap. The track will also host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in November.
Churchill Downs Schedule 2024
Here are 9 important points about the Churchill Downs schedule in 2024:
- Kentucky Derby: May 4
- Kentucky Oaks: May 5
- Stephen Foster Handicap: June 16
- Clark Handicap: November 29
- Breeders’ Cup World Championships: November 1-2
- First leg of Triple Crown
- Over $35 million in purses
- Attracts over 150,000 fans
- Historic racetrack
The Churchill Downs schedule in 2024 is packed with exciting races, including the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The track will also host a number of other major stakes races throughout the year.
Kentucky Derby: May 4
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the United States. It is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and it is the first leg of the Triple Crown series. The race is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May.
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
The Kentucky Derby is the longest of the Triple Crown races, and it is also the most demanding. The horses must race around two turns and up a long stretch to the finish line.
Purse: $3 million
The Kentucky Derby is one of the richest horse races in the world. The winner’s share of the purse is $1.86 million.
Attendance: Over 150,000
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. Over 150,000 people attend the race each year.
History: First run in 1875
The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest horse races in the United States. The first race was held in 1875, and it has been run every year since then.
The Kentucky Derby is a truly iconic event. It is a race that is steeped in history and tradition, and it is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.
Kentucky Oaks: May 5
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old fillies. It is the female counterpart to the Kentucky Derby, and it is held at Churchill Downs on the Friday before the Derby.
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles
The Kentucky Oaks is slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby, but it is still a demanding race. The fillies must race around two turns and up a long stretch to the finish line.
Purse: $1.25 million
The Kentucky Oaks is one of the richest races for fillies in the world. The winner’s share of the purse is $750,000.
Attendance: Over 100,000
The Kentucky Oaks is a popular event in its own right, and it attracts over 100,000 fans each year.
History: First run in 1875
The Kentucky Oaks is one of the oldest races for fillies in the United States. The first race was held in 1875, and it has been run every year since then.
The Kentucky Oaks is a prestigious race that showcases the best three-year-old fillies in the country. It is a race that is full of history and tradition, and it is one of the most exciting events on the racing calendar.
Stephen Foster Handicap: June 16
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a Grade 1 stakes race for horses aged three and up. It is held at Churchill Downs on the third Saturday in June.
The race is named after Stephen Foster, a famous American composer who wrote the song “My Old Kentucky Home.” The race was first run in 1982, and it has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Alysheba, Cigar, and Curlin.
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a 1 1/8 mile race, and it is one of the most important races of the summer season. The winner of the race receives an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a prestigious race that attracts some of the best horses in the country. It is a race that is full of history and tradition, and it is one of the most exciting events on the racing calendar.
Here are some additional details about the Stephen Foster Handicap:
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles
- Purse: $600,000
- Attendance: Over 50,000
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a major event on the Churchill Downs schedule, and it is a race that is not to be missed.
Clark Handicap: November 29
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The race is named after William Clark, one of the explorers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The race was first run in 1875, and it has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Man o’ War, Secretariat, and Cigar.
The Clark Handicap is a 1 1/8 mile race, and it is one of the most important races of the fall season. The winner of the race receives an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
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Here are some additional details about the Clark Handicap:
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles
- Purse: $500,000
- Attendance: Over 50,000
The Clark Handicap is a major event on the racing calendar, and it is a race that is not to be missed.
Breeders’ Cup World Championships: November 1-2
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is the most prestigious event in Thoroughbred racing. It is a two-day event that features 14 races for horses of all ages and genders.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is held at a different track each year. In 2024, it will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a major event on the racing calendar, and it attracts the best horses in the world. The races are extremely competitive, and the winners are often crowned the world’s best in their respective divisions.
Here are some additional details about the Breeders’ Cup World Championships:
- Purse: Over $30 million
- Attendance: Over 100,000
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a must-see event for any racing fan. It is a chance to see the best horses in the world compete at the highest level.
First leg of Triple Crown
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a series of three races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The other two races in the Triple Crown are the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
The Kentucky Derby is the longest of the Triple Crown races, and it is also the most demanding. The horses must race around two turns and up a long stretch to the finish line.
Purse: $3 million
The Kentucky Derby is one of the richest horse races in the world. The winner’s share of the purse is $1.86 million.
Attendance: Over 150,000
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. Over 150,000 people attend the race each year.
History: First run in 1875
The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest horse races in the United States. The first race was held in 1875, and it has been run every year since then.
Winning the Kentucky Derby is a major accomplishment for any horse and jockey. It is a race that is steeped in history and tradition, and it is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.
Over $35 million in purses
Churchill Downs offers over $35 million in purses throughout the year. This makes it one of the richest tracks in the United States.
- Kentucky Derby: $3 million
The Kentucky Derby is the richest race at Churchill Downs. The winner’s share of the purse is $1.86 million.
Kentucky Oaks: $1.25 million
The Kentucky Oaks is the second richest race at Churchill Downs. The winner’s share of the purse is $750,000.
Stephen Foster Handicap: $600,000
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a Grade 1 stakes race for horses aged three and up. The winner’s share of the purse is $360,000.
Clark Handicap: $500,000
The Clark Handicap is a Grade 1 stakes race for horses aged three and up. The winner’s share of the purse is $300,000.
In addition to these major races, Churchill Downs also offers a number of other stakes races with purses ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.
The large purses offered at Churchill Downs attract some of the best horses in the world. This makes Churchill Downs one of the most exciting tracks to race at.
Attracts over 150,000 fans
Churchill Downs attracts over 150,000 fans each year. This makes it one of the most popular tracks in the United States.
- Kentucky Derby: Over 150,000
The Kentucky Derby is the most popular race at Churchill Downs. Over 150,000 people attend the race each year.
Kentucky Oaks: Over 100,000
The Kentucky Oaks is the second most popular race at Churchill Downs. Over 100,000 people attend the race each year.
Stephen Foster Handicap: Over 50,000
The Stephen Foster Handicap is a popular race for fans of older horses. Over 50,000 people attend the race each year.
Clark Handicap: Over 50,000
The Clark Handicap is a popular race for fans of older horses. Over 50,000 people attend the race each year.
In addition to these major races, Churchill Downs also hosts a number of other popular events throughout the year. These events include concerts, festivals, and simulcast races.
The large crowds that attend Churchill Downs create a unique and electric atmosphere. This makes Churchill Downs one of the most exciting places to watch a horse race.
Historic racetrack
Churchill Downs is a historic racetrack that has been in operation since 1875.
- First Kentucky Derby: 1875
Churchill Downs hosted the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. The race has been held at Churchill Downs every year since then.
Home of the Triple Crown:
Churchill Downs is the only track to have hosted all three races of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg, and the Belmont Stakes is the third leg.
Other major races:
In addition to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs also hosts a number of other major races, including the Kentucky Oaks, the Stephen Foster Handicap, and the Clark Handicap.
National Historic Landmark:
Churchill Downs was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. This designation recognizes the track’s importance to American history and culture.
Churchill Downs is a living piece of history. It is a place where some of the greatest horses and jockeys in the world have competed. Churchill Downs is a must-visit destination for any fan of horse racing.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024:
Question 1: When is the Kentucky Derby?
Answer: The Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Question 2: How much are tickets to the Kentucky Derby?
Answer: Ticket prices for the Kentucky Derby vary depending on the seat location. Tickets can be purchased through Churchill Downs or through a ticket broker.
Question 3: What is the dress code for the Kentucky Derby?
Answer: The dress code for the Kentucky Derby is “dressy casual.” This means that you should dress in your finest clothes, but you do not need to wear a tuxedo or a gown.
Question 4: Can I bring food and drinks into Churchill Downs?
Answer: You are not allowed to bring food or drinks into Churchill Downs. However, there are a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase inside the track.
Question 5: Is there parking available at Churchill Downs?
Answer: Yes, there is parking available at Churchill Downs. The cost of parking is $30 per day.
Question 6: What time do the gates open on Kentucky Derby day?
Answer: The gates at Churchill Downs open at 8:00 AM on Kentucky Derby day.
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Churchill Downs directly.
Now that you know all about the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience at the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
The gates at Churchill Downs open at 8:00 AM on Kentucky Derby day. If you want to get a good seat, it is important to arrive early.
Tip 2: Dress comfortably.
You will be doing a lot of walking and standing at Churchill Downs. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Tip 3: Bring sunscreen and a hat.
Churchill Downs is an outdoor track. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.
Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
It is important to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a fun and enjoyable experience at the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024. We hope you have a wonderful time!
Conclusion
The Churchill Downs Schedule 2024 is packed with exciting races, including the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The track will also host a number of other major stakes races throughout the year.
Churchill Downs is a historic racetrack that has been in operation since 1875. It is the only track to have hosted all three races of the Triple Crown. Churchill Downs is a must-visit destination for any fan of horse racing.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to the Churchill Downs Schedule 2024. We hope you have a wonderful time!