LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Horse lovers and visitors alike raced to Churchill Downs on Thursday for Thanksgiving races. They enjoyed the atmosphere and getaway from the typical holiday traditions.
Maleah Ball came to the tracks with her family, and said she was fine with leaving the turkey behind.
"We just wanted to see horses race," said Ball.
The races brought many first time visitors like Gretchen Muuse and Travis Jones from across state lines.
"It's exciting," said Muuse. "[Churchill Downs] is bigger than I thought it would be."
"Wanted to come bet on the horses, have a few drinks, and check it out," said Jones. "Neither of us have been here."
They're spending the weekend in Louisville, and were already enjoying the getaway.
"Away from family for Thanksgiving," said Muuse. " Not having to worry about any of that kind of stuff."
Some, like Liliana Kunkel, traveled across state lines to spend time with family, and ended up at Churchill Downs.
"Our grandma and our uncle live out here, so we're just coming to visit them," said Kunkel. "This is our first time. It's really cool so far."
Kunkel didn't know the track had other events past Derby Day and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere.
"It just seems like this is a tradition for most people and that's really cool that there's something like this for people," said Kunkel.
Augie Hale and Juli Baranello have been to plenty of races at Churchill Downs, including some on Thanksgiving.
"It's a fun place to spend the afternoon," said Baranello.
They like to place bets, and have a system.
"I like to look at the times on the horses and then reference my better half," said Hale. "And go out to the paddock and look at the horses. She'll get a feel for what she sees."
Baranello's special system is pretty straightforward; she picks "by their name and how pretty they are."
"If we can pay for a drink here at the Downs, then we're going to call that a win all day long," said Hale.
Races ended around 5 p.m. Thursday, but more racing continues at the track on Friday. Find out more information on races and times here.