Some call it the most exciting two minutes in sports. With its big hats, glistening horses and lots of roses, the Kentucky Derby is one of the longest-running sporting events in American history. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to sit in the historic grandstands and listen to the pounding hooves on the famous racetrack of Churchill Downs.
The very first Kentucky Derby dates all the way back to 1875. The race was first born in the mind of Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of famous William Clark from the Lewis and Clark explorer duo. Clark was visiting Europe when he experienced the Epsom Derby in England. After his uncles, John and Henry Churchill, granted him the land for a racetrack, Clark started the Louisville Jockey Club and organized the very first Kentucky Derby. On May 17, 1875, 10,000 people gathered to see Aristides become the first champion. A lot has changed over the years, but a lot remains the same. It is safe to say the Kentucky Derby is an irreplaceable icon in horse racing.
In 2012, the Kentucky Derby set a historic record with 165,307 people attending the race. Needless to say, it has grown a lot from the 10,000 who attended the race 143 years ago. The road to get there is fascinating and filled with some of the most well-known horses in history.
1883—“Churchill Downs” was used for the first time to landmark the racetrack that is home to the Derby.
1894—Due to the growing number of fans, a 285-foot grandstand was built.
1896—The length of the race was changed from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles because it was believed to be too long for three-year-old thoroughbreds so early in the season.
1904—Red roses are named the official flowers of the race.
1919—Sir Barton became the first winner of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing after he won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
1925—The Kentucky Derby was broadcasted on network radio for the first time. Around 5 to 6 million people tuned in to listen.
1943— Despite World War II, the Kentucky Derby still took place. Only 65,000 fans attended that year and no out-of-town tickets were sold.
1952—For the first time ever, the Kentucky Derby was broadcasted on national television, and it was estimated that 10 to 15 million viewers watched that year’s race.
1973—Secretariat set and still holds the track record of 1:59:40. He also went on to win the Triple Crown for the first time in 25 years.
1985—The Kentucky Derby Museum opened to preserve the rich history of the Kentucky Derby.
2006—Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby by six and a half lengths. A couple of weeks later, he was injured in the Preakness Stakes and passed away shortly after. His memory is honored by a bronze statue at the entrance of the Churchill Downs racetrack.
2015—American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes becoming the 12th and most recent horse to win the Triple Crown.
With every year comes exciting moments that will live on in history. Will 2018 bring another Triple Crown winner? Be there and find out. Best Western Hotels & Resorts has multiple locations in the city that will give you quick and easy access to the race. Come hear the pounding hooves at the 144th annual Kentucky Derby.