Excitement builds at Churchill Downs as fans flock to Opening Night ahead of 151st Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Horses are back on the track at Churchill Downs and the excitement is growing as there's one week until the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.

Opening Night at Churchill Downs on Saturday night brought out several people who made the trip to Louisville just to see the historic race track.

One couple came all the way from Kansas to see Churchill Downs in person.

"This is great, so much better than on TV," Jennifer Blochlinger said.

They celebrated their 20th anniversary at the track.

"For 20 years we've watched, and we've just always wanted to come," Blochlinger said.

Others took a day trip down from Indianapolis to visit Churchill Downs for the first time, "We liked all the dresses and all the hats and everything was really fun to see."

Louisville natives who grew up watching the Derby also showed up to Churchill Downs.

"I think just the excited atmosphere has been really fun to just walk around and see people excited about the race and looking at the different horses has been really cool," they said.