Thousands celebrate Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Spending money wasn't the focus for some on Thursday at Churchill Downs, but winning money was.

Thanksgiving is the second busiest time at the track after Derby weekend.

Visitors enjoyed live racing, delicious food, and someone else doing the dishes.

The chef cooked several hundred turkeys and 80 people helped carve them.

Visiting Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving has become a tradition for many families and they don't even mind losing.

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"It doesn't matter." said Don Harrell, a visitor from Nashville. "You're here for Thanksgiving.  Great people here.  The kids are having a blast.  Everyone's here having fun.  Just another wonderful day at the track."

"We keep coming because we're not rich yet." said Bill Page, a patron from Shepherdsville.

Sunday will be the last racing day of the year.

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