In April 1990, The Simpson County Steeplechase Association holds a one-day meet with both steeplechase and flat racing, headlined by the $750,000 International Hurdle, the world’s richest jump race. The track, laid out on gently rolling farmland in Southern Kentucky, is named Dueling Grounds, as a nod to the history of duels on the land in the early 19th century.

Through the 1990’s, the track underwent a transition period, including a shift to racing exclusively on the flat, a late-summer race meet, and a new name – Kentucky Downs.

Kentucky Downs’ exponential growth in the 2010’s began with the implementation of Historical Horse Racing machines, which employ cutting-edge technology to marry electronic gaming with the parimutuel wagering system that is a linchpin of American racing.

Purse money soared from $769,810 in 2011 across four days of racing, to over $2 million in 2012 for the five day race meet. Purses have continued to grow each year, with a record $34.6+ million awarded at the seven day meet in 2024.

Increased purse money has helped Kentucky Downs ascend to its current place as one of the top race meets in the entire country. Today, the seven day race meet is heralded as a celebration of turf racing. Leading owners, trainers, jockeys and horses converge on the Kentucky Downs turf each year.

Seven days of racing will be contested on the Kentucky Downs turf this summer, August 29, 30, September 3, 5, 6, 7 & 9. $37.2 million is purse money will be on offer throughout the meet, including $17.9 million in KTDF purses for Kentucky-breds. The 2026 Kentucky Downs meet is set to be headlined by twenty stakes races, including the G1 $1,750,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Sprint and G2 $3,000,000 Nashville Derby Invitational.