HORSE RACING
Kentucky Derby: When was the first race? History, records and traditions
The Kentucky Derby horse race is steeped in tradition and remains the longest-running sporting event in the United States.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most prestigious horse races in the world, soaked in rich history.
Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of renowned explorer William Clark, is credited with founding the Kentucky Derby. After being inspired by horse races he witnessed during his travels in Europe, Clark raised funds to build Churchill Downs on land generously donated by his uncles.
While in England, Clark visited the Epsom Downs racecourse, home to the Derby Stakes, a 1.5-mile race for three-year-old horses organized by the 12th earl of Derby and his friends since 1780. Clark was so inspired by the event that he created a similar race in the United States.
Clark’s vision became a reality on May 17, 1875, when the first Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Around 10,000 people attended the first Kentucky Derby, and Aristides, a three-year-old chestnut colt, was the first horse to cross the finish line. The race quickly became popular and was soon known as the “Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse.
Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has become an iconic event in American culture, attracting celebrities, politicians, and horse racing enthusiasts worldwide. The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby has seen many historic moments, including the first female jockey to ride in the race in 1970 and the first African American jockey to win in 1902. The race has also faced controversy, including protests over the treatment of horses and jockeys and allegations of cheating.
Despite its ups and downs, the Kentucky Derby remains an integral part of American sports and culture. The most exciting two minutes in sports and its rich history and traditions continue to captivate audiences yearly.
Kentucky Derby’s famous records
The Kentucky Derby has witnessed numerous record-breaking moments over the past 150 years of premier horse racing. Here are some of the most outstanding records in the history of the event:
Secretariat holds the record for the fastest Kentucky Derby win in 1973, completing the race in 1 minute and 59.4 seconds, still unbeaten!
Most wins by a jockey: Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack hold the record for most wins in the Kentucky Derby, with five each.
Most wins by a trainer: Ben Jones holds the record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by a trainer, with six wins.
Most consecutive wins: The record for most consecutive wins is three, shared by the legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro and the trainer Ben Jones.
Most wins by an owner: Calumet Farm holds the record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by an owner, with eight wins.
Most significant margin of victory: 1943 witnessed a remarkable feat as Count Fleet secured victory with an unprecedented lead of 25 lengths.
Most horses in a single race: This impressive feat was achieved twice, in 1974 and 1984, with 23 horses involved.
Kentucky Derby’s famous traditions
As time passes, so do many long standing customs, and the Kentucky Derby is renowned for its abundance of traditions that date back to its establishment in 1875. Let’s dig into some of the unique traditions synonymous with this celebrated event.
Drinks
The Kentucky Derby’s signature drink is the Mint Julep, which consists of bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint. It’s typically served in a silver cup over crushed ice, and it’s estimated that more than 120,000 cocktails are enjoyed at the event annually.
Dress Code
The “Run for the Roses” is renowned for its trendy dress code. Seersucker suits, bow ties, and hats are the go-to choice for men, while women opt for vibrant dresses and intricate hats.
Rose Garland
Since 1896, it has been a tradition to adorn the winning horse with a garland of red roses. This garland is crafted from over 400 roses and weighs about 40 pounds.
“My Old Kentucky Home”
Before every Kentucky Derby race, a traditional song written by Stephen Foster in 1852 is played. This song has been a part of the event since 1921 and holds an important place in the history of the race.
These Kentucky Derby traditions have become essential to the event, contributing to its characteristic and celebratory ambiance. Finally, Clark’s trip to Europe may have been a mere vacation, but it changed the course of American horse racing forever. Today, the Kentucky Derby is a testament to Clark’s vision and the enduring passion for horse racing that he brought back from Europe.