This past July Fourth holiday weekend the spring meet at Churchill Downs came to a close as did the track’s three-day night racing experiment, which proved to be a huge success

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Over the course of the three evenings (June 19, June 26 and July 2) a total of 89,115 people visited the racetrack with a 33,481-person crowd on the final night, which is believed to be the largest non-Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders Cup crowd in the track’s modern history. The previous record is believed to be 28,396 on November 17, 1987 for a $1-million pick six carry-over.

Attendance skyrocketed at the Kentucky racetrack during the experiment despite early criticisms from cynics that the ticket prices would keep fans away. Tickets cost $10 for the first day and $6 for each additional day (or $15 for all three days). A Friday "Date Night" special was also offered, which cost $59.90 per person and included admission, reserved seating in "premium" areas, dinner, a program and live jazz. A $95 package included alcohol.

Churchill has vowed to bring night racing back next season.

Click here to watch a news report on the record crowds at Churchill Downs from WHAS 11 News.

(With files from thoroughbredtimes.com)