Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:5629 Nashville Rd
Franklin, Kentucky
Our Sports Superfan Says:
Although its live racing schedule lasts only a couple of weeks each year, Kentucky Downs remains a popular destination for racing fans during all seasons. As the only European style (being completely turf and not ovular) race track in the country, it also serves as somewhat of a novelty attraction.
The thoroughbred meet at the ice-cream-cone-shaped track occurs in the middle of September, with six days of racing across 10 or 11 days. The meet often attracts top turf horses, and it has three stakes races where the purse is more than $100,000. During the rest of the year, Kentucky Downs offers live simulcasting and wagering on tracks around the country.
Kentucky Downs opened as Dueling Grounds in 1990, so named for the 1800s dueling ground that was nearby. After the track's finances suffered, and it cancelled the 1997 season, it was purchased and renamed by a consortium of investors that included Churchill Downs. A majority share was later sold to another partnership, in 2007.
The track is located in Franklin, Kentucky, right near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. It is situated roughly 40 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee.
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Tourist Attractions Near Kentucky Downs