The Jockey Membership Suites at Churchill Downs Racetrack are present process a $14 million renovation that can modernize the luxurious full-service hospitality choices on the legendary thoroughbred racetrack.
Churchill Downs, Inc., is spending $14 million to improve its Jockey Membership Suites at its namesake horse racetrack, which is dwelling to the Kentucky Derby. The 61 suites are a number of the costliest tickets for the Triple Crown race. (Picture: Churchill Downs)
House to the Kentucky Derby, historically the primary leg of the annual Triple Crown, Churchill Downs provides 61 suites within the Jockey Membership. The occupancies are positioned on the fourth, fifth, and sixth flooring in a tower positioned instantly adjoining to the historic Twin Spires alongside the homestretch.
Officers with Churchill Downs, Inc., stated on Wednesday that every one 61 Jockey Membership Suites might be absolutely renovated, as will the membership’s widespread areas, eating areas, and restrooms.
The Jockey Membership Suites are a core premium hospitality product,” stated Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson. “This renovation challenge will guarantee current and future suite holders are supplied the leisure expertise Churchill Downs is understood for and our company have come to count on for Kentucky Derby Week and all different racing occasions.”
Costs for a set begin at $750, however are rather more costly throughout marquee occasions. For the Kentucky Derby, the suites typically go for greater than $200,000. Probably the most fundamental Jockey Membership Suite comes with room for twenty-four company.
Suite Enhancements
Initially constructed and opened forward of the 2004 Kentucky Derby, the Jockey Membership Suites at Churchill Downs can accommodate as much as 2,500 company. The Jockey Membership Suites Clubhouse moreover options the Triple Crown Ballroom, Grand Lobby, Derby and Oaks assembly rooms, and the just lately opened Triple Crown Balcony that serves as a premium rental house for particular occasions all year long.
Churchill Downs expects to have the Jockey Membership makeover accomplished in time for the one hundred and fiftieth Kentucky Derby, set for Could 3-4, 2024.
Churchill Downs didn’t specify what kind of upgrades are within the works for the monitor’s premium suites. However the suites are presently somewhat bland, with outdated furnishings and fixtures.
Every suite provides customizable meals and beverage choices, and every room provides a personal self-service wagering terminal, moist bar, and wait employees.
Tough 12 months for the Ponies
The horse racing trade has confronted a lot scrutiny lately.
It was solely in June 2021 that Bob Baffert, one of many horse racing trade’s most recognizable names and faces, was suspended by Churchill Downs after quite a few drug assessments got here again optimistic for Medina Spirit, which had received the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit died that December after struggling a coronary heart assault whereas figuring out at Santa Anita Park.
In 2022, the Kentucky Horse Racing Fee and California Horse Racing Board additionally suspended Baffert. Horsemen and Churchill Downs suffered extra public controversy this 12 months when seven horses died at Churchill Downs within the days main as much as the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs determined in early June to relocate its remaining races in its spring meet to Ellis Park in Henderson, as an investigation into the horse deaths was carried out.
“What has occurred at our monitor is deeply upsetting and completely unacceptable,” Churchill Downs CEO Invoice Carstanjen stated in an announcement final month. “Regardless of our greatest efforts to establish a trigger for the current horse accidents, and although no points have been linked to our racing surfaces or surroundings at Churchill Downs, we have to take extra time to conduct a top-to-bottom evaluation of all the particulars and circumstances in order that we will additional strengthen our floor, security, and integrity protocols.”
