The historic racetracks that host the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing are each in the midst of an evolution, with major upgrades, renovations, and in one case, a complete rebuild—and they’re all happening at once. It’s part of an industry-level reckoning with the changing demands of horseracing spectators, and the changing fortunes of horseracing itself.
The three racetracks—Churchill Downs in Louisville, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York—are all in various stages of renovation, each with a design led by the sports-centric architecture firm Populous. They’re getting new grandstand configurations and infield access improvements, fancier suites, a broader range of luxury experiences, and, importantly for growing the sport, a closer connection between spectators and horses.
The overarching theme of this work is hospitality, and it’s reconfiguring these historic racetracks at a time when horseracing is facing deep consolidation and persistent concerns about the humane treatment of the horses themselves.
Some of this work is a response to the changing nature of horseracing, which was transformed in the 1990s by the widespread adoption of racetrack simulcast betting, turning the experience of going to the racetrack into one in which a spectator may be watching horseraces on a screen rather than outside on the track. “What happened starting about 30 years ago, the operators became very focused on the wagering side of the business and, in a way, forgot that they were providing hospitality,” says Todd Gralla, senior principal and director of equestrian services at Populous.
For the historic racetracks of the Triple Crown, arguably the three most popular and important races in the sport, the redesigns and renovations underway now are an effort to reorient the industry. Within a few years, these three racetracks will complete projects that could set a new standard for how horseracing can continue on as a sport and an experience.
Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby
The highest profile horserace is undoubtedly the Kentucky Derby, which recently had its 152nd running. Famous for its pomp, fashion, and mint juleps, the Derby is now part of a two-day mega event in Louisville, where tickets can run upwards of $20,000 per person. Rich in tradition, the Derby’s racetrack, Churchill Downs, has spent the past decade working with Populous to upgrade its facilities and its spectator experience to make it worth that high price.
The biggest project has been a complete reworking of the paddock, the pre-race area where horses and jockeys prepare and spectators on the edges can get relatively close views of the horses. The $200 million project expanded the area from 5,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet, and added more room for people to watch as the horses get their final inspections before heading onto the track.
