LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs knows how to host celebrities and famous faces. But one of the most famous on the track is a permanent fixture, Churchill Charlie. 

What You Need To Know

  • Churchill Charlie is one of the most recognized characters at the track

  • He is the official mascot of Churchill Downs 

  • Fans often stand in line to take pictures with Churchill Charlie when their first enter the traack

  • Dan Payton has performed as Churchill Charlie for 25 years

Churchill Charlie is a beloved larger-than-life character played by actor and performer Dan Payton. Payton travels the country performing, but during the first week in May, he’s Charlie. It’s a role the actor has had for 25 years.

Here’s something you need to know about Churchill Charlie. He’s a horse of the people. He’ll never say “no” to a photo op. You should also know this: Payton is a man of few words. That’s because while in costume and character, Payton will not speak a word. He does, however, connect with thousands of fans every day at the track. He mainly does this by dancing. Churchill Charlie loves to dance. “

“I was able to open up and get comfortable with him and dance,” said one happy fan.

When the gates open each day of Derby Week, you’ll likely find Churchill Charlie in the Paddock. It’s hard to say what’s photographed more, the Twin Spires or the smiling, dancing animated horse. On Champions Day, it wasn’t even close. Churchill Charlie took more pictures with more fans than any red carpet celebrity will on Derby Day.

Imagine being so famous the first thing that thousands of fans do when they enter Churchill Downs is stand in line for a picture with Charlie. They do that before anything else. 

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