Kentucky Derby

KENTUCKY DERBY Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky Presented by Yum! Brands MAIN TRACK: 1 mile , sandy loam surface. Distance from the far turn to the finish line is 1,234 feet. TURF COURSE: 7 furlongs Churchill Downs opened May 17, 1875. The Louisville, Ky, track unveiled its now world-famous Twin Spires for the 1895 Kentucky Derby, which was won by Halma in a four-horse field. Permanent seating capacity is 50,837. During the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr.) weekend, seating expands to 54,340.