What's With That? Why is the racetrack at Churchill Downs an oval?

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal

If you've seen a race at Churchill Downs, you know the horses run on an oval-shaped track.

But, why is it an oval, and not a circle or other shape?

"With being an oval, it helps with the horse's speed, but it also helps, too, with the weather, so when it's raining outside, it helps with drainage," said Churchill Downs publicity manager Kevin Kerstein. "So the oval, the way that it's banked here at Churchill Downs, it helps the horses take a tighter turn and a safer racetrack but it also helps with drainage in case it were to rain."

Churchill Downs is seen from overhead on July 12, 2019.
Churchill Downs is seen from overhead on July 12, 2019.

Find out more in our "What's With That" video series.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Why is the racetrack at Churchill Downs an oval?

Advertisement