The Best Horse Races in Kentucky

If you spend any amount of time in Kentucky, then you'll know that our biggest claim to fame is horse racing (they don't call it The Kentucky Derby for nothing!) The problem for you shouldn't be IF you should go to a race, but which one you should choose.

We'll highlight the best horse racing tracks in prominent locations throughout the Bluegrass State so no matter what bed and breakfast you choose you can enjoy the adrenaline-raising competition on the track.

Churchill Downs

Address: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY

Do you have tickets to the official Kentucky Derby in May? You'll be visiting the iconic Churchill Downs stadium in Louisville. Churchill Downs is a beautiful, classically-designed race track that invites you to come and experience the southern way of life. Races happen throughout the year at this track, but the Kentucky Derby day is the most renowned and expensive one to get into.

Start researching and place your bets on the horse race, and you might walk away a winner. Take a look at the Kentucky Derby Museum before the race starts to admire the legacy of the race.

Keeneland Race Track

Address: 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510

Is your ideal bed and breakfast in or around Lexington instead? The Keeneland Race Track is the place to head then, as the famous track lies on the west end of the city. You can buy tickets to the races easily online, and have a few different options for purchase.

General admission is a very affordable $7 if you purchase online, but if you want access to some of the peak dining rooms with premier race watching windows, you'll have to fork over a bit more money on top of how much you are betting for the horse race itself.

ToursOn top of the standard racing events, you can also book a tour of the race track itself. There are four different tour experiences.

The Morning Works Tour will get you up early! You'll see the grounds on off-race hours, and watch the racers (and the horses) warm up. ($15 per person)
The Backstretch Tour dives into the lives of racehorses in training. You'll get to meet the workers who help these equestrian athletes get into tip-top shape. ($35 per person)
A Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tour will allow you to meet the jockeys and their racehorses. ($35 per person)
If you're feeling splurgy, you'll want to book the Owner's Experience Tour, a VIP experience that will take you to hallowed racing grounds like the Winners' Circle. ($65 per person)

Turway Park

Guests in the northernmost part of Kentucky like Covington will have Turfway Park as their option for horse racing. Turfway offers you an inside look on all the info so you can try to make the best bets possible.

Wager some cash on the horse you think will take first place, play the slots inside before the race starts, or catch a live show at the performance hall onsite. You can sign up for a historical walkthrough of the track to learn the history of the Derby, or grab a bite to eat at the brewery or pizzeria inside. Churchill Downs has something for everyone.

What do you wear to the Kentucky Derby? There's a certain level of class you need to display if you've gotten tickets to the Kentucky Derby, and while you certainly don't have to rent a tux to enjoy a day at the races, you shouldn't show up in typical summer vacation attire like shorts, swimsuits, or ripped clothing.

For Men

Collared Shirts
Dress Jeans
Slacks
Dress Shorts
Optional: Suit Jacket

For Women

Dresses
Pantsuits
Dress Jeans
Dress Shorts
Optional: Blazers

Planning your journey to Kentucky? Check out these attractions too!

Explore Mammoth Cave National Park

For those with more a sprig of adventure in their step, come explore Mammoth Cave National Park! Rock formations, cave fauna, and other surprises await you in this rocky highlight.

Find a New Fishing Spot in Kentucky

Are you an avid fisherman? Here in Kentucky, we have some of the greatest fishing spots in America. Check out some of them—you might discover something new.

Foodie Adventures in Kentucky

Delve into the rich food community in the south! Foodies from around the globe come to Kentucky to try our renowned cuisine!