Prince Charles plans visit to Churchill Downs Kentucky

Churchill Downs the home of the Kentucky Derby, America’s oldest and biggest horse racing event is set for a royal appointment this week as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall tour Louisville Kentucky this Friday.

The avid horse racing enthusiasts will plan to visit the historic racing grounds which have hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875, as the royals US trip heads down south. The royals are set to be toured round the historic racing venue by Churchill Downs senior track representatives.

The appointment will be the second time that British royal family members have visited the Churchill Downs venue. In 2007 Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) attended Churchill Downs to witness surprise winner Street Sense win the Derby roses.

The visit to Kentucky sees the Prince of Wales explore agricultural sustainability initiatives, a cause that the royal has supported for a number of years.

The 2015 Kentucky Derby main race will be hosted on Saturday 2 May, the race purse is estimated to be $2 million placing the Kentucky Derby amongst the richest events in the international horse racing calendar