LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — If you’ve only been to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby or Oaks, a visit during the September meet is a completely different experience.

Gone are the massive crowds and long lines—finding a seat is easy, and placing a bet is almost effortless.

A group of seven couples from southern Illinois recently made the trip to Louisville for a fun friends’ getaway. Only one of them, a woman sporting a floppy hat, had been to Churchill Downs before. As they arrived, their hands were empty—but excitement was high.

“Mint juleps. Here we go,” one of the visitors said with a laugh.

Racing at Churchill resumed Thursday at 5 p.m., with late summer heat replacing the rain-soaked chaos of May. According to track officials, the venue hosts more than 70 racing dates a year, far beyond the six-day Derby week, making this an ideal time for fans to experience the track without the usual crowds.

The September Meet also marks the beginning of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the first of 36 races where horses have a chance to qualify and earn points. Churchill Downs will host 11 stakes races over the next couple of weeks, and the Breeders’ Cup is just around the corner.

For the visiting Illinois group, the experience was unforgettable. “I think it’s beautiful. Very pretty,” one said, marveling at the fabled Twin Spires.

To learn more about this weekend's Road to the Kentucky Derby series, and links to schedules for the races, click here. 

September Meet highlights include:

  • Twilight Thursdays featuring $2 select domestic beer, live music, and food trucks (Thursdays, Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25).
  • First Responders Day (Thursday, Sept. 11)
    • Churchill Downs will honor firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics and emergency dispatchers with discounted tickets and more. First responders will receive free general admission with valid ID.
  • Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Kickoff (Saturday, Sept. 13)
  • College Day (Saturday, Sept. 13)
  • Stakes Room Brunch (Sundays, Sept. 14, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28)
  • Senior Day (Friday, Sept. 19)
  • Family Adventure Day in partnership with Louisville City FC, Racing Louisville and Blessings in a Backpack (Sunday, Sept. 21)
  • Thoroughbred Aftercare Day (Saturday, Sept. 27)
  • Ford Day at the Track (Sunday, Sept. 28)

For more information about the September Meet and links to buy tickets, click here. For additional ticketing information, click here.

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