It goes to new heights, literally, when one of the biggest events in the equestrian realm hits the Derby City—Breeders Cup Louisville experience is the best of its kind. With fast-paced action, elite competition and a festive atmosphere, the Breeders’ Cup combines racing fans, trainers and elite horses from around the world on the historic grounds of Churchill Downs. Whether you’re an old hand at the races or visiting for the first time, getting the most out of Derby City for Derby week means you need to understand the finer points of this iconic event.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, held over two days each fall, is commonly regarded as the grand finale of the international horse racing calendar. With over $31 million in prize money and 14 races, the event attracts only the finest of the best in each class. These days, when the Breeders Cup Louisville edition takes place, its venue is the legendary Churchill Downs, a true name in the world of thoroughbred excellence and tradition. Famed coaster to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs features top-notch amenities such as luxury suites, private boxes, and panoramic vistas of the track.

One of the best things about going to this race is the opportunity to witness champion horses and jockeys at their peak. With the Classic, Turf, Sprint and Juvenile among its 14 categories, each of the events has its own group of contenders, typically featuring future Hall of Famers. One of the biggest thrills for bettors is the chance to get in on high-stakes wagering action, where the odds fluctuate with the pre-race form, the condition of the track and betting movements. The Breeders’ Cup invests in timing systems and photo-finish technologies that make race results more exact and transparent from a technical perspective. Every horse is fitted with a transponder that interacts with sensors along the track surface to accurately record split and finishing times. These metrics allow race outcomes not only to be verified in real-time but also help fans more intimately understand performance—something that never used to matter in the world of analysts and fans.

By the time the weekend wraps up, attendees will make one thing clear: While the Breeders Cup Louisville is a sporting event, it’s also a celebration of the city. From exclusive pre-race parties and high-end galas to themed brunches and bourbon tastings, the festivities pour well beyond the racetrack. Louisville’s local businesses, restaurants and cultural venues also join in the spirit, treating visitors to a warm welcome and a taste of Southern hospitality. But if you’re interested in exploring the city, you have a couple of attractions, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammad Ali Center, as well as the nearby Bourbon Trail, which make for memorable experiences away from racing.

One more benefit of going to the Breeders’ Cup in Louisville: the city is accessible. It’s within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population and served by the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, making the city accessible from just about anywhere. On race days, organized shuttle service, ride services and public transit ensure commuting to Churchill Downs is never too challenging despite the high volume of traffic. Pre-organizing, particularly for transportation and accommodations, is essential to a successful and enjoyable experience.

And between that excitement, be sure to soak in the cultural details that make this event unique. Churchill Downs has seen much renovation in recent years, with enhanced amenities, such as better seating, digital betting stations and fancy fare. Patrons can appreciate modern amenities while still enjoying the venue's historic roots, with its landmark Twin Spires and old-world charm. The fun doesn’t end with the event. Plenty of fans hang around an extra day or two of their own to relax, sample Louisville’s dining landscape or enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding Bluegrass region. Finishing your visit with a walk along the Big Four Bridge or a tasting tour at a local distillery is a fitting way to contemplate the excitement of race weekend.

To summarize, the Breeders Cup Louisville experience provides a fast-paced combination of top-tier racing, cutting edge sporting technology, and crackling local culture. Whether you’re there to root from the grandstands, try your luck at the betting windows or simply take in the atmosphere, the event has something for everyone who wants to remember it. With some thoughtful planning and a bit of daring, your trip to this legendary race will be a highlight of your year — and maybe a new tradition for years to come.