Churchill Downs... Again & Again
Written: Dec 20 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fun, excitement, history horses, you MAY win!
Cons: None, unless YOU wager more than you should.
The Bottom Line: Great place to visit and bet the horses. History, horses, betting, food and friends.
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Churchill Downs |
Pulling into one of the parking lots looking up at Churchill Downs brings a thrill to me, every time. The history, horses, people and money that has passed thru this place is a wonder. It's not as pristine or even as beautiful as some others I've visited, but, NONE have the history and feel that Churchill Downs does.
Parking, there is a FREE parking lot that has golf carts running to and from the entrance, if you have to park in the "back 40". (Remember to tip) If you do have to park in one of the pay parking lots, don't fall for the buy your ticket before you enter scam. I don't know if we were unlucky or if it happens often, but we were put into the box seat section with more people than the "box" would hold. (yes, everyone in there had a ticket).
While I can't comment on the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigous horserace in the country, I can give information on the everyday visit.
For an entrace fee of $2 you can get into Churchill Downs. I would tell you to join the Twin Spires Club. It's free and can be done online. It will reduce your entry fee to $1, with the added bonus of earning points each time you make a bet. You can use these points at the Twin Spires Club site to get various items related to horse racing. Just present the card to the betting window agent whenever you make a bet and points are added automatically.
Betting, who knew there were so many ways to bet? The window agents at Churchill Downs, couldn't be nicer about explaining the ways someone new to racing should bet. I explained (sort of) what type of bet I wanted and the agent was able to tell me exactly what I needed to say to get it. He was very helpful in getting all my bets placed for each race. For other information on Churchill Downs and what it provides or how to get to your seat, they have stewards placed throughout. You won't go far before you see someone who works there, with a smile on their face.
Seating: We tried the box seating, didn't work out well (see above). Anyway, we're there to watch the racing and what better way to do it than down in the general seating area right in front of the rail? Everytime we've been to Churchill Downs we were able to get right next to the finish line. Go early for the best seats. Ok, the best seats are folding chairs. Who cares? Your going to be jumping up and down and begging your horse to run faster, anyway.
Collecting Your Winnings: (If your lucky) The betting windows are the same where you place your wager. Just present your winning ticket to the agent and they will process it for you within a few seconds.
Food & Drinks: There are beer/alcohol stations seperate from the food stations. Which make it handy if you only want a drink and not wait of those ordering food ahead of you. WARNING: A mint julep is NOT to be taken lightly. I really had no idea what was in a mint julep and didn't think to ask when I ordered one. I just knew I was at Churchill Downs and it only seemed right to order one. Well, for those of you who don't know...it's whiskey, with a splash of water and a mint sprig. Took me a while to catch my breath after that first drink. The food is a bit pricey, but it's an all day event and your bound to get hungry. The hamburgers are large and tasty and the fries are crispy. Will fill you up for the duration.
Finally, remember to bet only what you can afford to lose. Go there with the mindset you will lose it all and you'll be extremely happy when you do win. The only way your going to win your fortune is if your EXTREMELY lucky or already have a fortune and it doesn't matter.
My mom & I both bet a TOTAL of $60 (across the board for 10 races), another $25 on food/drinks and enjoy an entire day for under $100.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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