Kentucky Derby Research Paper

The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs; otherwise referred to as, derby, it is one of the better-known venues in the Triple Crown. If you’re not an avid fan of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is identified by the extravagant hats and well-dressed spectators. Churchill Downs was opened in 1875 and one of the major stakes races was the Kentucky Derby. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark who had the desire to showcase the breeding grounds of Kentucky’s history then opened Churchill Downs. (Kentucky Derby, pg.1) The money to build the racetrack was raised through memberships to the downs. There were initially 320 memberships sold that allowed for the clubhouse, grandstand, Porter’s Lodge, and six stables to open (Kentucky Derby, pg. 1). The racetrack covers 147 acres of land, with a one-mile dirt oval and a seven-furlong turf course. …show more content…
This renovation helped with the revamping of the grandstand and clubhouse. The impact that this renovation had on the racetrack was tremendous. The seating capacity was increased to 52,000 and it also added an option for luxury suites. While these renovation took place and help the racetrack, there was another upgrade in 2010 that included adding peremant lights around the racetrack to provide racing at nighttime (Churchill Downs Racetrack). Each of these expansions shows the growing of nature of the Kentucky Derby. Adding luxury boxes within the center of the horse race track provides guests with a unique experience of the event. While increasing the capacity, spectator get watch the race that is only live for a