What is Dawn at the Downs? How you can see Kentucky Derby horses for free

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
A horse and rider are silhouetted against a pre-dawn sky as they head for the track for a morning workout at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in Louisville, Ky. The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 5. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
A horse and rider are silhouetted against a pre-dawn sky as they head for the track for a morning workout at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in Louisville, Ky. The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 5. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

There's no way around it ― attending the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May is pricey. But Derby insiders have long known about one of the most fascinating parts of Derby week — and it's (mostly!) free.

Dawn at the Downs is your chance to see all the Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders train for the big races, without buying a ticket. The only catch? You'll need to set your alarm for the wee hours of the morning. But trust us, Churchill Downs' Dawn at the Downs is worth every lost minute of sleep.

And if you want to get a touch of the VIP experience, Churchill Downs is offering an upgrade to Dawn at the Downs that will cost you less than $50. Here's what to know about the Kentucky Derby Week event:

What is Dawn at the Downs?

Farrier Jimmy Costello puts new shoes on a horse in the pre dawn hours on the backside of Churchill Downs. May 1, 2022
Farrier Jimmy Costello puts new shoes on a horse in the pre dawn hours on the backside of Churchill Downs. May 1, 2022

A favorite for decades, Dawn at the Downs is not to be confused with the fancy hat, high heels, seersucker and mint julep side of the races. It's the period of the day when the real work of horse racing occurs — and fans love it.

In the hours before daybreak and under the glow of the track's spotlights, trainers clock jockeys and horses as they prepare for the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby.

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Exercise rider Isabelle Bourez gallops Kentucky Derby hopeful Stanford before dawn at Churchill Downs.
Exercise rider Isabelle Bourez gallops Kentucky Derby hopeful Stanford before dawn at Churchill Downs.

With no crowds to speak of at Churchill Downs, in the early morning hours, guests can hear the pounding of the majestic equine athletes' hooves as they travel across the dirt track. You can actually see the breath of these thoroughbreds as they exhale in the chilly morning air.

It's also a time when aspiring and seasoned betters keep a keen eye on the contenders' performance as they formulate their wagers for the upcoming races.

When is Dawn at the Downs?

Horses are held and bathed on the backside of Churchill Downs at dawn as a cold front moves into the area. Oct. 4, 2019.
Horses are held and bathed on the backside of Churchill Downs at dawn as a cold front moves into the area. Oct. 4, 2019.

Dawn at the Downs is held from Thursday, April 27 through Wednesday, May 3 from 7-10 a.m. at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., in Louisville. Sections 115-117 are open for tracking viewing.

Gates open at 7 a.m. and there is an exclusive training window only for Kentucky Derby (yellow saddle towels) and Kentucky Oaks (pink saddle towels) participants from 7:30-7:45 a.m. Training continues for all other horses until 10 a.m., notwithstanding renovation breaks from 7-7:30 a.m. and 8:30-9 a.m.

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What is the Dawn at the Downs Dining experience?

A horse is bathed before dawn on the backside of Churchill Downs. May 2, 2019.
A horse is bathed before dawn on the backside of Churchill Downs. May 2, 2019.

Churchill Downs offers a Dawn at the Downs Dining experience Sunday, April 30, and Monday, May 1 that allows guests to watch the thoroughbreds train while enjoying a buffet breakfast in the Stakes Room or Millionaires Row.

Tickets start at $47 and should be purchased in advance at kentuckyderby.com.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. 

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Dawn at the Downs at Churchill: How to see the Kentucky Derby horses