Leaderboard
Vote for Churchill Downs
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Best Horse Racing Track
Still a classically beautiful racetrack almost 150 years since it first opened, Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky has always been the home of the Kentucky Derby. That was one of the first horse races run in 1875 the day the track debuted on May 17, and it soon became the most iconic thoroughbred horse race run in the United States. The first leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby draws crowds of over 170,000 people, all decked out in their finest hats (and outfits, too) as the big race goes off. Racing happens here from spring to fall every year, along with other special events.
Still a classically beautiful racetrack almost 150 years since it first opened, Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky has always been the home of the Kentucky Derby. That was one of the first horse races run in 1875 the day the track debuted on May 17, and it soon became the most iconic thoroughbred horse race run in the United States. The first leg of the Triple... Read More
Photo courtesy of quentinjlang // Getty Images
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Candace Dantes
Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and... Read More
Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning journalist based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. From rural America, she has collaborated with global brands like London's M&C Saatchi and Black Beauty & Hair Magazine. Back home, she serves as an agriculture marketer and media consultant for U.S. Department of Agriculture research grant Black Farmers' Network, Wrangler, Justin Boots, and Visit Fort Worth. Currently, she is the Communications Director of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. Her Southern ag story and lifestyle: southernstylesandsteeds.com
Candace Dantes
Candace Dantes is a fourth-generation cowgirl and award-winning journalist based in the Georgia Black Belt Region. From rural America, she has collaborated with global brands like London's M&C Saatchi and Black Beauty & Hair Magazine. Back home, she serves as an agriculture marketer and media consultant for U.S. Department of Agriculture research grant Black Farmers' Network, Wrangler, Justin Boots, and Visit Fort Worth. Currently, she is the Communications Director of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. Her Southern ag story and lifestyle: southernstylesandsteeds.com
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.