Even at warm-up at Churchill Downs, horses and jockeys are in a competitive mood, running neck and neck.
Neck to Neck
Running Neck and Neck
Tag Archives: Churchill Downs
Early Morning Warm Up
Everyone’s favorite behind-the-scenes tradition. Spend the morning at Churchill Downs to watch the contenders warm up on the track. Horses train on the main track daily from 5:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Early Morning Practice
Galloping
Preparing for Races
The entrance to the racing trek at Churchill Down, Louisville, Kentucky, is being prepared for the day’s races. The racing trek is pristine, even at the bends.
Getting the Entrance Ready
Bend in the Track
Twin Spires at Churchill Downs
Initially designed and created as simply an addition, these structures have become permanently linked to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Used countless times over the years as a promotional tool, links to numerous stories, and a reminder of the place, the Twin Spires have become a revered symbol.
If Churchill Downs is American Thoroughbred horse racing’s cathedral, its steeple and eternal landmark is the Twin Spires. These two pinnacles cast a glow up and down Louisville and across the landscape of horse racing history.
Twin Spires
Preparing the Race Trek
The tractor works at Churchill Downs, raking treks to make them pristine for horse races.
Tractor Working at Churchill Downs
Raking the Track
Down the Track at Churchill Downs
Raked Track at Churchill Downs
Winner’s Circle
Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs is full only after the races are run.
Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs
Empty Seats
In the early morning at Churchill Downs, the seats, including the space for horse owners, are empty.
Seats at Churchill Downs
The place for Owners at Churchill Downs
More Space for Owners at Churchill Downs
Early Morning at Churchill Downs
The morning is serene when one starts a tour at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pristine Racetrack at Churchill Downs
Flying Above Churchill Downs
At Churchill Downs
While in Kentucky, we had a private tour of Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Churchill Downs is a horse racing complex in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, famed for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby. It officially opened in 1875 and was named after Samuel Churchill, whose family had been prominent in Kentucky for many years.
Here is the entrance with a Barbaro statue in the front. Barbaro will be remembered for his six first-place finishes, including the 2006 Kentucky Derby, which he dominated by 6 1/2 lengths. The bronze statue, created by Kentucky artist Alexa King, showcases Barbaro and jockey Edgar Prado in mid-flight between strides nearing the finish line in the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
At Churchill Downs
Barbaro