Business UpdateMay 2, 2026, 10:10 PM
Churchill Downs expects record Derby Week Adjusted EBITDA growth $15-18M
AI Summary
Churchill Downs Inc. announced record-setting financial performance for the 152nd Kentucky Derby Week, expecting $15 million to $18 million in Adjusted EBITDA growth for Churchill Downs Racetrack. All-sources handle for Derby Week reached a new record of $487 million, a 3% increase from the prior year. TwinSpires also achieved new records for Derby Week and Derby Day wagering. Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby, making Cherie DeVaux the first woman trainer to achieve this feat.
Key Highlights
- Churchill Downs Racetrack expects record-setting Adjusted EBITDA growth of $15M to $18M for Derby Week.
- All-sources handle for Derby Week rose to a new record of $487 million, up $13 million or 3% from 2025.
- TwinSpires handled a new record of $129 million in wagering on Churchill Downs races for Kentucky Derby Week, up 6%.
- TwinSpires handled a new record of $89 million in wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day program, up 1%.
- All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day program was $340 million, compared to $349 million last year.
- All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Derby race was $225 million, compared to $234 million last year.
- Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, with lifetime earnings now over $3.4 million.
- Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner.