Churchill Downs

[alysheba88]

Went to Churchill Downs opening day and came away a little disappointed. Not because of the $120 I lost, but just the facility itself wasn't quite what I expected. It was a beautiful day and I had great seats so it was definitely a fun time. But I was surprised at how dingy the place is. A dump in many ways. I like Fenway Park and Saratoga so have nothing against old facilities. But this was something different. Almost dirty. You have to pee in trough, isn't the easiest place to find your way around, and from what I can tell there are no self-tote machines, everything is through the teller. I understand they are doing some major renovations.

On the plus side everyone is very nice down there, and its always great to be around people talking racing without being looked at as a degenerate. Still want to go to a Derby some day. Cant imagine the scene with 150,000 people there. Only 15,000 when I was there. Folks told me Keeneland is the nicer of the two so will have to check that out sometime.

[rockingham]

I've been there on Derby weekend and for live racing at another time. I agree that it is not much better than Phiily park or Turf Paradise at other times of year. Maybe the renovations will help, but I did think it was a special place on Oaks and Derby day, because it feels like you are back at a time when horse racing was king, and not what it is today. The Derby scene is great and I'm hoping to go back for Derby weekend in 2004 or 2005.

[Dennis]

Great to have you back Aly!!
D(thanks for the visual)