Kentucky Derby Hotel
Known as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," the world-renowned Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at the historical Churchill Downs, located just 3 miles from the Holiday Inn Southwest Fair & Expo. Before heading out to one of the most important horse races in sports history, be sure to study up on the main contenders using our complimentary high speed Internet access, and be ready to place your bets!
For Google directions from the Holiday Inn Southwest Fair & Expo Center hotel to Churchill Downs, click here.
The Kentucky Derby, one of the country's oldest thoroughbred horse races, is also the most famous thoroughbred horse race in US history. The Derby is the first leg of the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes. At one and a quarter miles long, the Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses.
Holding the crown as the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States, the Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition. From the iconic symbol of the Twin Spires overlooking the homestretch of Churchill Downs to the lavish hats worn by the ladies attending the race in Millionaires' Row, there are sights, sounds, and tastes galore that you won't want to miss at the Kentucky Derby.
Traditionally, the "official" beverage of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep, a concoction of bourbon, ice, mint and sugar syrup that is drunk throughout the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival preceding the race, and it is served in silver julep cups and souvenir glasses during the day of the Derby.
The Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs have enjoyed a long and rich history since their inception in 1875. First run at one and a half miles, the race was later changed to its current shorter distance in 1896. Churchill Downs struggled as a respectable horse track until 1902, when it came under new ownership. The track began to prosper, and the Derby soon became known as the most significant race for three-year-old thoroughbreds in North America.
For more information on the Kentucky Derby, visit the official website here.
Nicknamed the "Race for the Roses," for the blanket of 554 red roses draped over the winning jockey and horse, the Kentucky Derby is the experience of a lifetime, and the Churchill Downs is a sight you won't want to miss during your time spent in Louisville. After watching the thoroughbreds zip by and kicking back a couple Mint Juleps, come back to the Holiday Inn Louisville Southwest Fair & Expo Center hotel and relax in our indoor heated pool.