The jockey who wins will join a select group of riders who earned victory in “numerical milestone” runnings of the Derby. Jockey Oliver Lewis won the first Kentucky Derby in 1876 aboard Aristides. J.D ...

Inspired by his experiences, Clark returned determined to create a similar horse racing event in the United States. On May 17, 1875, the Louisville Jockey Club – now known as Churchill Downs – hosted ...

Unrivalled history The first Kentucky Derby was watched by a crowd of 10,000 people who saw three-year-old chestnut colt Aristides, ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis, triumph at Churchill Downs. The Derby ...

The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Black trainers dominated the Derby’s early years, winning seven of the first 17 from 1875-1891.

On May 17, 1875, the Louisville Jockey Club – now known as Churchill Downs – hosted the first Kentucky Derby with 15 horses, including winner Aristides, and more than 10,000 spectators.