Churchill Downs Incorporated Rous and France's Vicomte Darn, vice president of the French Jockey Club. Upon his return from Europe, Clark began development of his racetrack, which would serve to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry. The track would eventually become known as Churchill Downs. The track formally opened on May 17, 1875, with four races scheduled including the day's featured race, the Kentucky Derby. Throughout the early 1900s, Churchill Downs joined with other tracks to create the Kentucky Jockey Club. With five tracks, the Club decided to dissolve in December 1927, with the purpose of re-organizing. In January 1928, the American Turf Association
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A Grade II event, it is open to fillies and mares, aged three and older. Contested over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs) on turf, it currently offers a purse of $300,000. In 2009, this race was upgraded from a Grade III to a Grade II event. This race was inaugurated as the Twin Spires Stakes in 1983, and was run again in 1987 under that name. It was renamed Capital Holding