Kentucky Downs Race Track

Kentucky Downs Race Track

Kentucky Downs is perhaps the most unique racetrack in the United States, and annually ranks as one of the best betting tracks in the country in objective polls such as the one published by Horse Players Association of North America. Located in the southern Kentucky town of Franklin, Kentucky Downs annually hosts a boutique meet in September. Races at Kentucky Downs are held exclusively on the track’s European-style turf course.

 

Kentucky Downs Horse Racing

The one-of-a-kind surface at Kentucky Downs is an undulating grass course that measures a mile and five sixteenths in length making it one of the longest courses in North America. The final turn to the wire measures one quarter mile with slight elevation changes as horses charge for home. Located on what was once known as Sandford Duncan Farm, Kentucky Downs pastoral setting has captured the interest of racing fans since opening its doors as Dueling Grounds Race Course in 1990. The track was changed to its current name when purchased by new owners in 1997.

Kentucky Downs Track Layout

 

Major Races and Events

Kentucky Downs features a bevy of top-flight stakes racing including the Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup, the More than Ready Mile, the Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint, The Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf, The Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon, and The Kentucky Downs Turf Dash.

The Kentucky Turf Cup

The $600,000 Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup is the richest race of the Kentucky Downs meet. Run at a mile and a half, the race annually draws some of the best stayers in the older male turf division. 2009 winner Cloudy’s Knight used the race as a prep for the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Marathon where ran second by a nose. In 2014, Suntracer captured the Kentucky Turf Cup for trainer Chris Block. The race has been run in consecutive years since 1998.

The More Than Ready Mile

Renamed in 2014 for the decorated turf miler and International star, it is fitting that the 2014 $200,000 More Than Ready Mile was one by none other than Regally Ready – a son of the race’s namesake. Regally Ready also won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in 2011.

The Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf

Run for a purse of $200,000, the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf is a one mile race for fillies and mares. 2014 winner, I’m Already Sexy won in front-running style to add to her impressive list of stakes scores.