The Rich History of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs
Every first Saturday in May, the world turns its eyes toward Louisville, Kentucky, where a spectacle of speed, elegance, and tradition unfolds—The Kentucky Derby. Being a fan of both the historian and racing side, I can’t help but be caught up in the history and thrilling stories that come from Churchill Downs. This is part 2 of the Triple Crown Series and the first discussing the origins, key events, and the enduring allure of the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby!
The Inception of a Legacy
The Kentucky Derby, established in 1875, is America’s longest-running sporting event. Its illustrious history begins with the vision of Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. The grandson of explorer William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame. Inspired by England’s Epsom Derby, Clark sought to create a similar spectacle in the United States. Thus, with determination and the backing of wealthy horse enthusiasts, including the prominent Churchill family, the Louisville Jockey Club was formed, and the seeds of Churchill Downs were planted.
Matt Winn, the “colonel” used his marketing savvy and helped create the Derby into the world renowned classic that it is today. One of his many innovations was changing the betting system for the races. He moved the horse racing betting format from the bookmaking business to parimutuel betting or pooling all the bets into one purse. He also drastically lowered the minimum bet from $5 to $2, greatly increasing the amount of bets placed.
The First Run for the Roses and African American Jockeys
The inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875 was a momentous occasion, attracting a crowd of 10,000 spectators to witness a field dominated by African American jockeys, a testament to the deep-rooted history of Black riders in horse racing. There were 15 horses in the inaugural Derby, 13 of the jockeys were African American. In fact, 15 of the first 28 Derbys were won by a black jockey. The race’s first winner, Aristides, was trained by Ansel Williamson, an African American trainer and a former slave. This era of diversity on the track remains a poignant chapter in Derby history, illustrating the profound contributions of African Americans in the sport’s early days. Once the Jim Crow Laws were passed, segregation prevented black jockeys from riding for decades. In the 151st Run for the Roses, Larry Demeritte is the second black trainer since the 1951. Hank Allen was in 1989.
Add Your Rise to Prominence
As each year passed, the Derby’s prestige grew. By the early 20th century, it had become a fixture on the American sporting calendar. The iconic racetrack, Churchill Downs, was named in honor of the Churchill family, who provided the land for the track. Over time, the grandstand expanded from a modest structure into the magnificent facility we see today, capable of hosting 150,000 spectators under its twin spires.
Galbreath Era & Darby Dan Farm
Among the many illustrious figures tied to the Derby’s history is John W. Galbreath, whose passion for horse racing was as great as his wealth. Though he never won the Derby himself, Galbreath’s contributions to the sport of horse racing are significant. As chairman of Churchill Downs, he helped elevate the Derby’s status, and his Darby Dan Farm became synonymous with excellence in thoroughbred breeding, producing numerous champions that graced the track. Galbreath is one of four winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby, the original Derby run on the first Saturday in June in Surrey. Darby Dan Farm still stands and operates today.
A Modern Spectacle
No discussion of the Derby is complete without mentioning “My Old Kentucky Home,” played as the horses make their way to the starting gate. This tradition, dating back to 1921, evokes a sense of nostalgia and unity, although it has not been without controversy. In recent years, the song has been thoughtfully re-evaluated to acknowledge its complex history. The song is about an enslaved man forcibly separated from his family and his yearning to be reunited with them.
The Future Ahead
As we look to the future, the Kentucky Derby continues to honor its storied past while embracing change. The sport faces challenges, including inclusivity and ethical considerations, but through it all, the Derby endures.
For horse racing enthusiasts, the Kentucky Derby is more than a race—it’s a testament to tradition, passion, and the enduring spirit of the sport. Each year brings a new chapter, a new story, and a new reason to cheer. Here’s to the next 150 years of the Kentucky Derby and the timeless magic of Churchill Downs. In just a few days from now, we will sit on the edge of our seats impatiently waiting to hear those glorious words, “and they’re off!”
Check out our prior posts on the Triple Crown