You're probably looking for a post time or a live stream for churchill downs races today live, but I’ve got to be the bearer of some slightly disappointing news. If you head over to Central Avenue in Louisville right now, you aren't going to see any horses thundering down the stretch. In fact, the track is basically in hibernation.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. At this time of year, Churchill Downs is closed for live racing. They don't run a winter meet. Most people don't realize that the Twin Spires actually spend a good chunk of the year watching over an empty dirt track while the "real" action moves elsewhere in Kentucky.
The Reality of Churchill Downs Races Today Live
It’s a common mistake. You see a big horse racing headline or you're just itching to place a bet, and you assume the world's most famous track is open. Honestly, though, the racing schedule at Churchill is pretty specific. They run three distinct meets: the Spring Meet (which starts in late April and features the Derby), the September Meet, and the Fall Meet that wraps up around Thanksgiving.
So, if you’re searching for churchill downs races today live, what you’re actually looking for is the simulcast schedule or a different track entirely. Even though the live horses aren't there, the facility often remains open for simulcasting, where you can sit in the Race & Sports Book and bet on tracks that are running, like Gulfstream Park or Fair Grounds.
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Where the Action is Today (Jan 15, 2026)
Since Churchill is quiet, Kentucky horsemen have mostly migrated to Turfway Park in Florence. That’s where the winter circuit lives. If you want to see live Kentucky racing right now, Turfway is your spot. They’ve got that Tapeta synthetic surface that handles the January freeze way better than the dirt at Churchill ever could.
Here is what the actual racing landscape looks like today:
- Gulfstream Park: They’ve got a 12:10 PM ET start. It’s warm in Florida, and the turf is firm.
- Fair Grounds: Over in New Orleans, they’re getting ready for the Lecomte Stakes this weekend. Today’s card starts around 1:45 PM ET.
- Turfway Park: This is the closest thing you'll get to a "Churchill vibe." Racing usually kicks off in the evening, around 5:55 PM ET.
- Aqueduct: New York is still running, despite the cold. Their first post was scheduled for 12:10 PM ET.
Why Churchill Downs Doesn't Race in January
It basically comes down to the dirt. Churchill Downs has a traditional dirt surface. When the temperature in Louisville drops to the 20s or 30s—which it definitely does in mid-January—that dirt can freeze and become incredibly dangerous for horses. It gets "cloddy" and hard.
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Instead of trying to fight the Kentucky winter, the circuit shifts. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission allocates dates so tracks aren't constantly stepping on each other's toes. Turfway Park was specifically designed with its all-weather surface to fill this exact gap in the calendar.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby 2026
Even though there are no churchill downs races today live, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is very much alive elsewhere. We are currently in the "Prep Season."
- January 17 (Saturday): The Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. Keep an eye on a horse named Mesquite—trained by Cherie DeVaux. He won his last start at Churchill Downs and is looking like a serious contender.
- January 31: A massive day for Derby points with the Southwest at Oaklawn, the Holy Bull at Gulfstream, and the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita.
- The Futures Pool: Tomorrow, January 16, Churchill Downs actually opens its third Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool. You can bet on who you think will win the 152nd Derby on May 2, 2026.
How to Watch "Live" Racing at the Track Today
If you are physically in Louisville and just want to be at the track, you can still go to the Churchill Downs Race & Sports Book. It’s basically a high-end Vegas-style lounge. You'll see dozens of screens showing live feeds from across the country.
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You’ve got a few options for "live" viewing:
- TwinSpires App: This is the official partner. You can stream every race from Fair Grounds or Gulfstream for free if you have an account.
- FanDuel TV (formerly TVG): They usually have live coverage of the afternoon tracks.
- YouTube: Sometimes Churchill will post historical races or workouts, but they won't have a live feed of an empty track.
Common Misconceptions About the Schedule
I see it all the time on social media: people show up to the gates in January thinking there’s a midweek matinee. There isn't. The next time you'll see churchill downs races today live in a literal sense is April 25, 2026. That’s Opening Night for the Spring Meet.
That night is electric. They turn on the floodlights, everyone gets dressed up, and it kicks off the week-long celebration leading up to the Derby. But for now? It's all about the simulcast and the winter tracks.
Actionable Next Steps for Today
If you were hoping to handicap some races today, don't let the empty stalls at Churchill stop you.
- Check the Turfway Park entries: Since it’s a Thursday in January, Turfway is your primary Kentucky option. Look for trainers like Brad Cox or Wesley Ward, who always have strong strings there.
- Jump on the Future Wager: Since the Pool 3 opens tomorrow (Jan 16), start looking at the "All Other 3-Year-Olds" option. It's usually the favorite this early, but you can find value in individual horses before they hit the big prep races in February.
- Monitor the Weather: Tracks like Charles Town often cancel during this week due to extreme wind chills (like they did earlier today). Always check for cancellations before you spend time on a form.
- Watch the Fair Grounds: If you like the horses that usually run at Churchill, follow the New Orleans circuit. Most of the Churchill "regulars" spend their winters there.
The Twin Spires might be quiet today, but the sport doesn't stop. Grab a form for Gulfstream or wait for the lights to come on at Turfway this evening.