Building stuff is probably where most people spend their time playing Sims 4, and with so many options, you can build almost anything. But what about an actual horse racetrack? Well, even that is doable only if you approach it the right way.
When it comes to racehorse venues, Churchill Downs is the only option. This is one of the most iconic horse racing tracks in the world, and they host the big Kentucky Derby.
Fortunately, with the release of The Sims 4: Horse Ranch expansion, building an equestrian estate is finally possible. Horses aren’t only decorative elements. They are living Sims with traits, needs, relationships, and skills.
It’s the perfect time to build a Kentucky Derby-inspired estate that feels like the real thing.
Understanding What Makes Churchill Downs Special
Before you start building anything, you need to get a good idea about the Churchill Downs vibes. Don’t worry if you’ve never attended the Kentucky Derby. Looking at some pictures of the place is enough to point you in the right direction.
The track itself is oval, and the venue is luxurious, especially after renovation. Then there are the iconic twin spires, which were added in 1895 and became the most recognizable silhouettes in sports.
Churchill Downs is all about luxury, prestige, excitement, and betting. Spectators here are watching the horses they’ve placed money on while drinking champagne. Each year, some of the fastest horses from all around the world participate in the Kentucky Derby, and the choice for picking one horse that’s going to win is harder than you thought.
But if you do some research on each year’s Kentucky Derby contenders and top horses, you’ll easily spot a pattern. To learn more about this year’s Kentucky Derby entries, click the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/contenders/
So, you should aim for something exciting, exquisite, and focused on adrenaline.
Choosing the Right Lot and World
The most important thing is the location. Building a replica of Churchill Downs in Sims 4 is almost impossible since this is a huge place. So, if you own Horse Ranch, Chestnut Ridge is the obvious choice.
You should choose large plots like 50×50 or 64×64 just to have enough space for everything.
Designing the Stables
We’ll first start with the barns. At Churchill Downs, horses are housed in expensive barn complexes with multiple stalls, grooming areas, wash racks, and feeding rooms.
They are like five-star hotels for horses. In The Sims 4: Horse Ranch, each horse requires a stall, a feed area, and access to outdoor space. Go for a central aisle, exposed wooden beams, and polished concrete or stone flooring.
And please don’t forget about decorating the place. The small details will make it pop.
Creating a Track That Feels Real (Even If It Isn’t Full Scale)
Building a replica of the Kentucky Derby track in Sims 4 with its oval shape is impossible. The grid simply won’t allow it.
However, you can do a smaller oval-shaped track that mimics Churchill Downs. You should start by sketching an oval using terrain paint to mark the dirt path. Then, add fencing around the perimeter.
Inside the oval, leave a dirt terrain, and add a simple scoreboard structure or decorative viewing towers just to make it look like a racetrack. This is the easiest thing to do for this project.
Building a Grandstand Worthy of Derby Day
Now, let’s talk about the grandstand. Churchill Downs’ grandstand is a massive multi-layer structure, but your Sims version doesn’t need to be an architectural replica. It needs to capture the same vibe.
So, you can start by building a raised platform facing your track and add multiple levels (if the land allows) just to make it feel more authentic.
Inside, you can add seating rows and even decorative chairs layered in stepped formations just to give you that illusion. You should also consider adding a VIP balcony with a small bar area in the best viewing spot of the racetrack.
The Main Estate House
No Derby-inspired estate will be complete without a main residence. Many real-world horse farms in Kentucky feature large plantation-style homes with wrapped porches. But this is not just any horse estate; we are building a Kentucky Derby-inspired one.
So, instead of building an old shed, you should go with something more exquisite. The façade of Churchill Downs is all white with gold accents. Make a roundabout in front of the main entrance, and put a horse statue in the middle, just like Churchill Downs. Then wrap the main entrance around one side of the roundabout.
Consider adding two big towers (resembling the twin spires) on each corner of the house just to make it look like Churchill Downs. Lastly, you can decorate with fountains, flowers, and lights to make it look more prestigious.
Final Thoughts
Don’t go with the mindset of building a replica of Churchill Downs brick by brick. That’s impossible in Sims 4. However, you can easily capture the spirit of this iconic racetrack by focusing on the important elements that tell the story.
