Enjoy the chance to go behind the scenes of Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, KY with a private tour from Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs!
Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven-furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously at Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875. In addition, Churchill Downs Racetrack has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championship eight times.
Over the course of three centuries, the track has completed several massive renovation projects to modernize its venerable grandstand and clubhouse and to accommodate its more than 165,000 guests on Kentucky Derby Day. Modernization projects have included the construction of private luxury suites and integrated simulcast areas, the installation of permanent lights to operate night-time race programs, and building The Big Board – the world’s largest 4k video screen. The Twin Spires that sit atop the grandstands remain the most recognizable architectural feature of Churchill Downs and serve as a symbol of the racetrack. The spires were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez and were built in 1895 – they shine across the world’s most legendary racetrack each night.
Kevin Flanery was named the 13th president of Churchill Downs Racetrack on July 13, 2009. He also serves as a senior vice president for Churchill Downs Incorporated. Flanery joined Churchill Downs in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs and was promoted to senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008. During his career, Flanery held important state government posts including secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In that role Flanery served as the Commonwealth’s chief financial and procurement officer and led the Office of Finance Management, which controls the Commonwealth’s debt and investment portfolio. Flanery also had oversight of the Department of Facilities Management, which designs, builds, operates and maintains state facilities. Part of his statutory responsibilities included serving as chairman of the Consensus Forecasting Group, which determines revenues available for appropriation by the governor and legislature of Kentucky.
Flanery’s experience in state government extends to Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet where he served as deputy secretary and legislative liaison. In that post, Flanery managed all administrative functions for the Transportation Cabinet and served as its primary legislative strategist. Prior to joining the Churchill Downs team, Flanery served as president and chief operating officer of Hagan Properties. Flanery holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Bellarmine College and a juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Notice of Updated Buyer Terms of Use
We have recently updated our Buyer Terms of Use. We encourage you to review the revised terms to ensure continued understanding and compliance. By continuing to use our platform, you acknowledge and agree to the updated terms. View the updated Terms of Use