Kentucky has always presented an ideal place to raise and race horses. There were four racetracks operating in the city of Louisville before the turn of the century.

The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned sporting event.

The Churchill Downs racetrack was organized as a Kentucky corporation in 1928 and officially became known as Churchill Downs Incorporated in 1942.

In 1902, Matt Winn became leader of the struggling facility and eventually brought the racetrack and its signature race to a level of international acclaim.

Churchill Downs Incorporated started from an 80-acre plot. The racetrack was built in part to support the state’s growing breeding industry. Churchill Downs Incorporated has matured into a racing and entertainment company with multiple racetracks. Churchill Downs’ signature racing events represent the pinnacle for horse racing everywhere. It is rare to find anyone dealing in horses that have not heard of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest events in Kentucky and is renown nationwide.

2008 Kentucky Oaks and Derby General Information

The 134th 2008 Kentucky Oaks and Derby will be on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd.

The official hotel for Churchill Downs is the Galt House & Suites for the 2008 races. Reservations can be made by calling the toll free number of 1-800-939-GALT.

Race Admission Ticket Prices

General admission tickets for Oaks and Derby Day allow access into the Paddock and Infield areas, but are not accompanied with a seat. General admission is $25.00 per person on Oaks and $40.00 per on Derby. Children under 12 are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.

Dress Code

Churchill downs has a dress code for specific areas on Oaks and Derby Day. The Turf Club and Suite areas do not allow denim wear, shorts or tennis shoes. The millionaires Row venue prefers business casual dress. Absolutely no worn or torn garments, tank tops, or midriff tops. Many guests still arrive dressed in fancy hats to keep the Kentucky Derby hat tradition alive. For more information about the dress code contact the Group Sales Department or Admissions Department.

Parking

All parking for 2008 Oaks and Derby Day is reserved for those individuals who have purchased a valid Oaks and Derby parking permit. Additional parking will be offered at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium for $10.00 per vehicle. TARC will provide shuttle service from the stadium to the racetrack free of charge. RV’s are not allowed access into any parking lot at Churchill Downs. They are allowed to park at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

This year’s Official Limousine Company for Kentucky Oaks and Derby is the Cosmopolitan Limousine Company. They can be reached at 502-966-5466.

Source: Churchill Downs Tour Guide, Churchill Downs Incorporated.com

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© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved