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The historical running of The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 on the first Saturday in May as the whole world watched the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports".
In 1875 Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby". Bonaventure won the first race of the day; however the winner of the day's featured race was a three-year-old chestnut colt, Aristides whose statue along side of a new bronze of Churchill's Most Winning-est Jockey, Pat Day, graces the formal gardens near the historic paddock in the shadows of the internationally known twin spires.
The first records of organized horse racing in Louisville dates back to 1783 when races were held on Market Street in the city’s downtown area. Today, the Kentucky Derby is the race that defines the “Sport of Kings.” It was said of those early Derby races that "The crowd in the grand stand sent out a volume of voice, and the crowd in the field took it up and carried it from boundary to boundary of Churchill Downs." Now the sound of cheer and the spectacle of the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” is witnessed from around the globe.
10,000 people witnessed the first running of the Derby. On every first Saturday in May, over to 150,000 fans are here to see the “Run for the Roses”. Levy Restaurants prepares food and libations for all the fans on the Churchill Downs property including Herb Roasted Sirloin, Pan Seared Scallops, Cajun Blackened Chicken, Summer Sausage and Turkey Pastrami, Brunswick Stew, Kentucky Saltimbocca and many assorted fresh salads and tasty desserts. We also offer hot dogs, hamburgers, deli sandwiches, and snacks that brings noshing to an art.
Levy Restaurants is thrilled to be a part of and contribute to this historical event each year.
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
Churchill Downs is located in South Central Louisville 3 miles from downtown Louisville, 2 miles from Louisville International Airport, 1.5 miles from the University of Louisville.
Free Parking is located off of Longfield Lot in Gate 12, entering the facility at Gate 10. Motorcoach parking should drop off and pick up at Gate 17 by entering off of 9th street. All groups may enter Churchill Downs through Gate 10 located off the Longfield Parking lot or Gate 1 located next to the Kentucky Derby Museum off of Central Avenue.
Valet parking is available on live racing dates at Gate 10.
View Map
Access from Expressways:
I 264 (Watterson) to Southern Parkway or Taylor Boulevard exit north to Central Avenue.
I 65 to South on Crittenden Drive Exit. Turn right on Central Avenue.
Bet on your favorites from Gulfstream Park, Aquaduct, Tampa Bay Downs, Turfway Park, Santa Anita, and internationally from the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Gates open for ITW at 11:30 am and we are open most nights until 10:00 pm. For a full monthly schedule, please see the Simulcasting Calendar in the News section.
General Admission for Live Racing: $3
Senior Citizens/Twin Spires Club Members: $1
Children (under 12 and accompanied by an adult): Free
General Admission for Inner-track Wagering:
Adults: $2.00 weekdays and Sundays, $3.00 on Saturdays.
Children (under 12 and accompanied by an adult): Free
Silks & Champions are our sit down restaurants during the ITW schedule. No reservations are necessary.
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Place your bet on a memorable event! We’re the odds-on favorite for social or business gatherings for groups of 10 to 4,000. Call us at 502.636.4450 to book your next event!
Triple Crown Room: Offers spectacular views of the Louisville Skyline!
Cocktail Reception: Maximum 600 people.
Sit-Down Dinner: Maximum 390 people at rounds of 10.
Jockey Club Grand Foyer: Large ellipse windows showcase a bird's eye view of the Paddock!
Cocktail Reception: Maximum 400 people.
Sit-Down Dinner: Maximum 100 at rounds of 10.
Jockey Club Lobby: View the winners circle from this spacious vantage point!
Cocktail Reception: Maximum 150 people
Sit-Down Dinner: Maximum 100 people.
The Stakes Room: Meeting space for up to 160 guests.
The Aristides Room: Meeting space for up to 104 guests.
The Derby Room & The Oaks Room: Meeting space for up to 150 guests.
(Theatre Style: Max 150 people, Classroom: Max 78 people, Rounds: Max 100 people, Reception: Max 150 people)
Millionaire Four: Seats 832 people with rounds of 8.
Millionaire Six: Seats 576 people with rounds of 8.
Silks and Champions are our casual restaurants offering a relaxing escape from the action.
The Turf Club is a private, members only club featuring Levy Restaurants signature Chef's Table offering a variety of culinary spectacles.
Enjoy fine dining in an exclusive setting in the Matt Winn dining room which notes the flair of an upscale American restaurant with walk-in seating available.
More than just general concessions, Levy Restaurants brings noshing to an art. Horse racing fans can enjoy traditional concession fare and more around the property including our Trackside Cafe` on the 2nd floor of the Clubhouse.
Our Finish Line and Jockey Club Suites are the ticket to sheer elegance and the finest cuisine. Suites are available for daily rental through the Group Sales office at Churchill Downs. Please contact us at 502.636.4450 to book your suite today.
Click here for our 2010 Special Event Menu
Executive Chef, Joseph "Jo-Jo" Doyle, Jr. is known for his commitment to consistently raising the bar. This prestigious position gives him and Levy Restaurants the opportunity to further partner with Churchill Downs in the development and growth of the horseracing experience.
Check out our Levy Restaurants online Recipe Book! We have pulled together some great recipes from our A-list, All-Star entertainment events from around the company and from around the world!
Eating is NOT a spectator sport. DIG IN!!
Check out all of Churchill Downs Simulcasting (Inner-track Wagering) online information here.
Home to 135 years of Horseracing Sports history and the future running of the 136th Kentucky Derby. Come join us for the world's most exciting two minutes in sports!
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