| When you talk with people about Churchill Downs, | | | | and in 1893 the track was sold to a syndicate |
| one thing comes to mind - the twin spires. Even | | | | that was led by William Applegate. New changes |
| people who don't watch horse racing know about | | | | were implemented including shortening the track |
| Churchill Downs and its twin spires due to the | | | | and the commissioning of the twin spire |
| popularity of races such as the Kentucky Derby | | | | grandstand in 1895. A new tradition would also be |
| and the Kentucky Oaks. The track has also | | | | implemented that year - the adorning of the |
| hosted the Breeders' Cup races on six occasions. | | | | Kentucky Derby winner in a garland of roses. |
| What most people don't know is the history | | | | The twin spires are the most recognizable feature |
| behind the track and how the twin spires came to | | | | of Churchill Downs. They have been standing since |
| be. | | | | 1895 and were designed by architect Joseph |
| The track is named after John and Henry Churchill. | | | | Dominic Baldez. Since the spires were built, several |
| The two leased eighty acres of land to their | | | | renovations have been made to the track itself. |
| nephew Colonel Meriweather Lewis Clark, Jr. Clark | | | | Today, the Churchill Downs complex covers over |
| was actually grandson of famous explorer William | | | | 147 acres, nearly double its original size. The dirt |
| Clark. He was also the president of the Louisville | | | | oval main track is a mile while the turf track is 7 |
| Jockey Club and Driving Park Association. Richard | | | | 8 of a mile. From 2001 to 2005, the grandstand |
| Ten Broeck was a horse breeder and trainer and | | | | underwent a $121 million renovation. The |
| Clark's father-in-law. | | | | renovation replaced the clubhouse and added 79 |
| Broek was an accomplished trainer, regularly | | | | luxury suites and the twin spires were refurbished. |
| attending the English Derby at Epsom Downs in | | | | Another unique addition to Churchill Downs was |
| London. He was the man that introduced Clark to | | | | the adding of a mural that depicted the 96 |
| the world of horse racing. | | | | jockeys that had won the Kentucky Derby from |
| Louisville had always had a love affair with | | | | 1875 to 2004. The mural was painted by Pierre |
| horseracing. After all, it was home to Oakland | | | | Bellocq, who updated the mural in 2008 to reflect |
| racecourse as well as Woodlawn. When these | | | | all of the winning jockeys and trainers to date. |
| two tracks closed, there was a void in Louisville | | | | The renovation was somewhat of a controversy |
| that needed filling. Churchill Downs would do just | | | | since the new grandstand suites block full view of |
| that. | | | | the twin spires, although they are still the highest |
| For quite some time, Churchill had a reputation as | | | | points of the facility. |
| a gambling hall. Some changes needed to be made | | | | |