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Churchill Downs Magazine

The official magazine of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

With a national footprint, the publication reaches Derby fans and bucket-list enthusiasts from across the country, but has a heart that is purely Louisville, Kentucky.

08/15/2025

🌸 Sneak Peek!
Meet Sydney Ecker of Eckuine Creations — the creative mind behind some of the most stunning floral Kentucky Derby hats you’ve ever seen. What began as a simple hobby bloomed into a thriving small business, where each piece is a work of art bursting with color, texture, and Derby-day charm.

We can’t wait to share her full story in the Fall Issue of Churchill Downs Magazine. Stay tuned!

08/05/2025

Just a sweet little SNEAK PEEK… 🍬✨
We recently spent the day at Schimpff’s Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana, gathering all the sights, sounds—and smells—for an upcoming fall magazine story.

Walking through their doors is like stepping into a living postcard: cinnamon drifting through the air, copper kettles bubbling, and vintage candy machines still humming along. We even got a behind-the-scenes look at how those famous cinnamon red hots are made. 🔥🍭

This family-run gem has been delighting visitors since 1891, and trust us, there's still plenty of magic packed into every square inch.

Stay tuned for the full feature this fall—but in the meantime, enjoy a few behind-the-scenes snaps from this unforgettable visit!

📸✨ Daniel Hunt

07/30/2025

Derby of Your Dreams: A Year of Elegant Enchantment and Whimsical Wonder
Written By: Tonya Abeln

The 2nd annual Official Kentucky Derby Style Guide aspires to immerse you in an ethereal fashion narrative that intertwines reality and reverie as Derby dreams take flight against the backdrop of the illustrious Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is about creating memories that last a lifetime, that resonate deeply and evoke a visceral reaction. The first act celebrates the spectacle of the Kentucky Derby through the fashionable lens of a distinguished guest.

This fashion spread is but a snapshot of the visual symphony created for the Official Kentucky Derby Style Guide. To enjoy the complete “Derby of Your Dreams” visit KentuckyDerby.com and look for What to Wear.

https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =59

View Style Guide: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/come-to-the-derby/visiting-information/what-to-wear/ -style-guide-2025/5/

Creative Director: Tonya Ramsey Abeln | Director of Photography: Andrew Kung | Photographers: Andrew Kung , Shelbe Overby Gaffer: Rachel Lutz | Key Grip: Omar Miranda | Grip: Brendan Rosco McBride | Video: Cat Runner | Studio: Andrew Kung Studio | Artistic Stylist: Emi Wladyka | Fashion Stylist: Pascale Cross | Menswear Stylist: Chris Burns Style Assistants: Brett Wilson, Elena White, Ella Cornett, Greta Harmon | The Helen Wells Agency Talent: Ashley Williams, Jason Hass, Raymond Achille, Shane Rodimel, Shanica Jones, Victoria Beland | Heyman Talent Agency : Melissa Moore Hairstylists: (Planet Salon Frankfort ) Karie Smith, Kelsey Nelson | Makeup:Young Beauty Company, LLC

07/25/2025

A Winning Partnership: Dubai Racing Club Embraces Partnership with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby

Enhancing horse racing on the global stage remains a top priority for the RacingDubai (DRC). In pursuit of this vision, the DRC partnered with Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby for an exciting collaboration in 2025, strengthening the international presence of both events. As part of this alliance, the Louisville-based track sponsored the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial in January.

This collaboration between DRC and Churchill Downs traces back to 2013 when the top three finishers in the UAE Derby (G2) began earning qualification points for the renowned Kentucky Derby. This year marks a significant milestone as the Derby is now formally included in the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby. The Road to the Kentucky Derby comprises designated races worldwide, awarding points to the top five finishers. The 20 horses with the highest point totals earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate on the first Saturday in May, with invitations reserved for the top Euro/Mideast and Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby horses. The UAE Derby grants 100 points to its winner, making it a critical qualifier for the Euro/Mideast berth.

Read more: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =153

Author: Kelli Kinman
Photography courtesy of Dubai Racing Club

07/23/2025

Top Chefs: Lucky Culinary Students Learn From Master Chefs During Kentucky Derby Week

For more than 30 years, culinary students from Pennsylvania College of Technology and the SUNY Schenectady County Community College, along with other culinary school students nationwide, gain incredible experience working the mega event setting that Churchill Downs provides during Derby Week. In that time, they will prepare the food to serve more than 400,000 guests all week, including 150,000 to 200,000 on Derby and Oaks Day. Levy Restaurants at Churchill Downs relies on these students and hundreds of other chefs and culinary workers nationwide who come in for the week to create the best culinary experience possible for Churchill Downs’ guests.

Read more: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =147

Written by: Laura Ross
Photography Courtesy of Pennsylvania College of Technology and Chef Charles R. Niedermyer

07/21/2025

A Cinematic Journey: Celebrating 40 Years of the Kentucky Derby Museum with The *New* Greatest Race

As the Kentucky Derby Museum continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, it embarked on a transformative journey to honor the legacy of the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." Central to this celebration is the remastering of The Greatest Race, the museum's iconic 360-degree feature film that has captivated visitors for decades. This ambitious $2 million project elevates the Derby experience, blending rich history with innovative technology to create an immersive narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Read more: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =129

Written by: Katrina Helmer
Photography courtesy of Kentucky Derby Museum

07/16/2025

An Oasis of Entertainment in Owensboro, Kentucky: Kentucky's Racing Heritage Meets a New Era of Entertainment at Owensboro Racing & Gaming

Shining amidst 20 sprawling acres at the convergence of U.S. Highway 60 and Wrights Landing Road. Owensboro Racing & Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated's 7th Historical Racing Machine (HRM) venue in Kentucky, emerges as a beacon of excitement and culture in the heart of the Bluegrass. This state of the art $100 million complex celebrated a grand opening on February 12 and is poised to be recognized across the region as a premier entertainment hub, breathing even more life into Kentucky's already illustrious horse racing legacy while forging a vibrant economic future for the community.

Read More: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =123

Photos courtesy of Ellis Park & Owensboro Gaming

07/14/2025

Embrace and Taste the Kentucky Spirit: A Celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World

For many Kentuckians, Derby Week is the highlight of May. But come September -- National Bourbon Heritage Month -- bourbon lovers flock to Bardstown, Kentucky, for the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, celebrating the storied history of America's native spirit. This world-class event offers bourbon enthusiasts from around the globe opportunities to engage with top brands while enjoying exclusive tastings and educational sessions.

Read more: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =109

Written by: Anna Byerley
Photography Courtesy of Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Visit Bardstown

07/11/2025

The Perfect Pairing: Downtown Restaurant Steak & Bourbon Masters the Art of Creating a Decadent Dining Experience

Nestled at the corner of South 4th and Market Street in downtown Louisville, right next to Derby City Gaming Casino, Steak & Bourbon seamlessly combines two of Kentucky's finest traditions. Now open in its second location-following the success of its original Westport location, this modern steakhouse brings a touch of luxury downtown, offering an elegant yet inviting ambiance with sophisticated touches. As the smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra fill the air, guests are welcomed into a refined space perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Read More: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =93

Written by Kelli Kinman
Photography Courtesy of Steak & Bourbon

07/09/2025

An Introduction to Cool Kentucky

If you want to dive deeper into what makes Kentucky cool, all that’s needed is a visit to the Frazier History Museum on Main Street in downtown Louisville for a peek at the permanent exhibition, ‘Cool Kentucky’. As one of the nation's oldest states, Kentucky has gathered a living legacy of characters and leaders who molded its unique culture into a sought-after source for unique products, ideas, music, art and culture. ‘Cool Kentucky’ at the Frazier History Museum is designed to bring the state to life in all its facets.

Read More: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =85

Written by Laura Ross
Photography Courtesy of Frazier History Museum

07/07/2025

The City of Louisville Celebrates the Timeless Legacy of Fitzgerald’s Masterpiece, The Great Gatsby

Louisville, Kentucky plays a prominent role in the novel and its inclusion can be traced to the author’s time spent in Louisville. F. Scott Fitzgerald was stationed in Louisville at Camp Taylor in 1918 during World War I. Like many of his fellow soldiers, he was fond of bourbon and ci**rs and would regularly visit the city’s premiere hotel, the The Seelbach Hilton Louisville to imbibe and woo young women at the many dances held in the darkly beautiful Rathskeller there.

Read More: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/flipbook/2025_Spring/ =50

Written by Laura Ross
Photography by Timothy Allen Furlong Jr and Courtesy of Louisville Tourism

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07/05/2025

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