Iconic race track looks unrecognisable with £700million...

THE iconic Churchill Downs race track is set for a huge multi-year £700million upgrade project. The famous track is home to the Kentucky Derby and will undergo "transformational" changes that have been labelled as the "largest expansion and renovation" in the track's 150-year history.

Image Credit: The Sun [General view of Churchill Downs racetrack from new seating area.]

Renovations to the Kentucky-based track will be split into three projects, the Skye Reconstruction and Expansion Project (“The Skye Project”), the Conservatory Project, and the Infield General Admission Project. The Skye Project will focus on seating just past the finish line, replacing 11,500 existing seats with 13,300 new ones, alongside premium hospitality experiences.

Image Credit: The Sun [Aerial view of a horse racetrack with new buildings and spectators.]

It will also add a sensational five-storey VIP area to host the fanciest of guests with improved track views and upgraded amenities. Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), claim that the first three floors of the development will be completed by May 2027, with the other areas finished by May 2028.

Image Credit: The Sun [Illustration of the Pagoda Club's wagering area interior.]

The Conservatory Project will add even more plush hospitality to the famous track. Removing 2,100 temporary seats, a new permanent structure will be built to add 7,000 "premium experiences for guests". That will include 36 specially designed suites, covered rooftop dining and "unparalleled views of the racetrack".

Image Credit: The Sun [Illustration of a restaurant interior with green chairs and a marble table.]

That entire project isn't scheduled to be completed until the 154th Kentucky Derby in 2028. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS. Finally, the Infield General Admission Project will change what's on offer for the usual punter, not just the elite hospitality guest.

Image Credit: The Sun [Illustration of a horse race at a large stadium.]

That project plans to add three new infield buildings to provide "enhanced amenities" to general admission guests. As well as offering them the opportunity to upgrade their tickets with additional entertainment and rooftop viewing options. In total the project is expected to cost CDI around £700MILLION.

A predicted £367m is set to be invested in the Skye Project, £260m into the Conservatory Project and a further £43m into the general admission areas. Over £30m is expected to be invested into infrastructure projects at the same time, including upgrades to the horsemen and trainer areas.

CDI chief Bill Carstanjen said: "These projects as well as key infrastructure improvements, reflect the company’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality and premium seating options for guests for many decades to come. "We have a proven track record of prudently investing capital in the Kentucky Derby to create once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests while also creating significant long-term value for our shareholders.”.