Churchill Downs pausing renovations due to Trump tariffs ahead of 2025 Kentucky Derby

Janet Patton, Lexington Herald-Leader on Apr 23, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Churchill Downs on Wednesday announced that the Kentucky racetrack, soon to host the annual Kentucky Derby, is pausing a major expansion due to President Trump’s tariffs and overall economic uncertainty.

The Louisville-based gambling and racing company made the announcement as it released first-quarter earnings, which were overall positive with record revenue.

But the company said it would pause capital projects released earlier this year “due to the current economic environment.”

In February, Churchill Downs announced plans for a nearly $1 billion expansion, its largest ever, to begin later this year and extend through 2028. The projects were to revamp the existing Skye Terrace into more premium hospitality experiences; create permanent premium seating in the infield; and add infield structures for the General Admission area as well.

Now Churchill says, those will be delayed.

“The decision to delay these construction projects is due to the increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to tariff and trade disputes as well as current macro-economic conditions,” Churchill Downs said in a news release. “In the coming months, CDI will assess the evolving economic landscape and evaluate any changes to the timing and sequencing of these multi-year projects.”

Churchill also announced two new projects with smaller price tags geared toward deep-pocked fans and bettors: Renovations of the existing Finish Line Suites and The Mansion. The total cost of those two new projects is a more modest $25 million to $30 million, according to the announcement.