Kentucky Downs Picks, Entries and Results

Kentucky Downs Track Details

Address: 5629 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134

Website: www.kentuckydowns.com/racing 

Meeting: The turf-only but immensely popular track currently runs just a 5-day live meet at the beginning of September. It is one of the shortest thoroughbred horse racing meets in the country, yet those five days feature purses of more than $10 million — an average of $2 million per day, which is the highest such total in the nation. The lucrative purse structure attracts overflow fields for nearly every race, and as such it has become a bettors’ haven while field sizes dwindle elsewhere in the country. The meet is highlighted by the Grade 3, $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup for older horses at a mile and a half. Though the track doesn’t offer any stakes above the level of Grade 3, that will soon change if current trends continue.

History: Located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee in Franklin, Kentucky, Kentucky Downs was built in 1990 and was originally called “Dueling Grounds” in recognition of the duels that once took place on the premises. Initially, it featured only steeplechase races, but in 1998 it was sold and the racing menu was expanded under its present name. The track features one of the most unique turf courses in the country - a three-turn, 1 5/16-mile undulating oval - which has much more of a European feel than its domestic counterparts. In 2007, majority interest in the track was sold to a partnership headed by investors Corey Johnsen and Ray Reid and Kentucky Downs became a year-round entertainment hub. On March 12, 2019, Kentucky Downs was sold again - this time to Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone.

Facilities:  For most of the year, Kentucky Downs operates as a casino and simulcast center. The main draw at the casino are the Instant Racing machines, a hybrid between a slot machine and parimutuel wagering. There is also frequently live music and bingo at Kentucky Downs, to go along with a bar, cafe, and diner.