Live Racing at Kentucky Downs

We must admit, live racing at Kentucky Downs has been part of our family history for over forty years, since the track was originally built on the Kentucky/Tennessee border in 1990. As many times as we’ve enjoyed live meets there, we were certainly not prepared for the amazing wow of changes that have been instituted. We used to gather up and watch the family’s thoroughbred horses race on the turf there each year, sitting on the grandstand bleachers and maybe getting a popcorn snack. If this is the Kentucky Downs you remember, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear about this new quintessential Kentucky experience.

We were invited to opening day at what has become America’s Most Lucrative Race Meet. Winners at this fall meet can earn a total of over 40 million dollars over seven days of racing. Our table in the Finish Line Pavilion came with a buffet lunch, afternoon snacks, an open bar and front row seats at you guessed it – the finish line. Were these the best seats at the track? While we haven’t sat everywhere else yet, we can’t say 100% – but to be outside, trackside where you can hear the rumble of the hooves as they race by – how could it get much better than that? The almost completely sold out pavilion was roaring with the cheers of winners, horse conversations, and laughter throughout the day. Another perk of these tickets was that the paddock was just a few steps away, if you need some horse watching time before placing your bet.

Live racing for the 2025 season continues through Wednesday, September 10th. Check out their ticket options here and grab tickets quickly because there are some days that are already completely sold out. It is an easy roadtrip for so much of Kentucky and Tennessee since it is just a mile or so from Interstate 65 – but still completely pulls off the rural feel we all enjoy about Kentucky.

On site you will also find the Mint Gaming Hall with two super new features:

Circa Sports, with an 80 foot screen, boasts the largest sports betting facility east of the MIssissippi River. They offer booth club seating, recliners, stadium seating and more.
Bit & Barrel Gaming & Racing Lounge is a brand new race simulcasting option – complete with 50 widescreen televisions broadcasting races from Kentucky to New York and California.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Franklin Mint is filled with beautifully curated rooms, an outdoor pool and lawn. The hotel is adjacent to the Mint and four onsite restaurants, as well as being just steps from the track.
Pie Rollers is the newest eatery – and word on the street is that a training trip to Italy happened so the pizza they serve could be especially delicious. Yum!

Now, it’s time to grab some tickets and road trip to Franklin for a uniquely Kentucky afternoon at the races. While we never placed a bet, we definitely had a winning day just being there.