The Kentucky Derby began with Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.'s transformative European travels in 1872.¹ Witnessing both the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris, Clark returned to Louisville with a vision for creating an American equivalent to these prestigious races.²
Upon his return, Clark launched an ambitious campaign to establish a new racetrack. His uncles, John and Henry Churchill, provided the crucial land grant - 80 acres southeast of Louisville.³ Through a series of public meetings throughout 1874, Clark gathered support from Louisville's prominent families and racing enthusiasts.⁴
The inaugural Kentucky Derby ran on May 17, 1875, drawing approximately 10,000 spectators.⁵ Aristides, trained by Ansel Williamson and ridden by Oliver Lewis, claimed victory in that first running.⁶ Local papers declared it "a success such as the most sanguine supporters of the enterprise had not hoped to see."⁷
The track's most recognizable features - the twin spires - weren't part of the original construction. They emerged in 1895 as part of architect Joseph Dominic Baldez's new grandstand design, quickly becoming the track's defining symbol.⁸
The early Derby races ran at a mile and a half, matching the distance of the Epsom Derby. However, in 1896, organizers shortened the race to its current mile and a quarter distance, marking a distinctly American adaptation of the European classic format.⁹
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References
¹ Nicholson, James C. "The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America's Premier Sporting Event." University Press of Kentucky, 2012, p. 23.
² Ward, Arch. "The Kentucky Derby Story." A.S. Barnes, 1964, p. 17.
³ Churchill Downs Archives. "Original Land Deed and Lease Documents, 1874."
⁴ Louisville Courier-Journal. "Meeting of Racing Interests." December 12, 1874.
⁵ Daily Louisville Commercial. "The Opening of the Track." May 18, 1875.
⁶ Kentucky Derby Media Guide, 2023 Edition. Churchill Downs, p. 12.
⁷ Daily Louisville Commercial. "The Inaugural Derby." May 18, 1875.
⁸ Kentucky Derby Museum. "Architectural History of Churchill Downs." Permanent Exhibition Records.
⁹ Eisenberg, John. "The First Saturday in May." Warner Books, 2010, p. 45.
