Churchill Downs is the legendary racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, that is home to the Kentucky Derby.

Mine That Bird won the Kentucy Derby on May 2, 2009. The National Weather Service had predicted a 70% chance of rain before 2:00 p.m., which should have left the track enough time to dry before the big race kicks off.Courier-Journal: ...Kentucky Derby 2009 Weather Looks Iffy (May 2, 2009) Though by the scheduled time of the race, the track was still in sloppy condition.

After announcing his plans to build a thoroughbred horse track, Col. M. Lewis Clark raised $32,000 and purchased 80 acres of land from John and Henry Churchill, his uncles, for which the track is named. Originally consisting of six stables, a clubhouse, lounge and grandstands, the first three races, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap, were held on May 17, 1875.Official Site: History of Churchill Downs

In the years since, the track has undergone numerous renovations and improvements and changed ownership several times. The most recent renovation came in 2002 and 2003, with a $121 million addition of luxury suites, an ecpanded Turf Club, new box seats, new dining, entertainment and media centers and a new grand entrance at gate 17.Official Site: History of Churchill Downs

1. Date: First Saturday in May, annuallyOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
2. Race type: ThoroughbredOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
3. Distance: 1¼ milesOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
4. Track: Dirt, left-handedOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
5. Qualification: Three-year-oldOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
6. Purse: $2 millionOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby
7. Referred to as "The Run for the Roses" and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports"Official Site: Kentucky Derby
8. 2008 winner: Big BrownOfficial Site: Kentucky Derby