| Cover | Oct. 03, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 3, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Churchill Downs Incorporated |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | KY |
| Entity File Number | 001-33998 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 61-0156015 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 600 North Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Louisville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | KY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 40222 |
| City Area Code | 502 |
| Local Phone Number | 636-4400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, No Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | CHDN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000020212 |
