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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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"Downs" connection to racetracks
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2009/10/25 - 9:07pm
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I went to Cincinnati over the weekend and saw a sign on the way for "Indiana Downs" (a horse track) which reminded me of "Churchill Downs" (also a place to race horses) and I wondered what the connection between the word "downs" and horse tracks is.

ArteNow

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2
2009/10/26 - 11:15am
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The OED offers the following for "downs", as in Epsom Downs Racecourse:

2. An open expanse of elevated land; spec., in pl., the treeless undulating chalk uplands of the south and south-east of England, serving chiefly for pasturage; applied to similar tracts elsewhere.

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3
2009/10/26 - 11:22am
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That's a good question. In Minnesota, we have Canterbury Downs.

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