The Kentucky Derby is an event that resonates with elegance, speed, and the promise of a champion emerging from the best in the race tracks. As the longest-running sports event in the United States, the Derby has cemented its legacy into horse racing history. A popular option in any racebook platform, bettors all over the world look forward to watching the first leg of the Triple Crown. As we look into betting on the races let us take a look back to the beginning and see the thrilling evolution of this iconic race as we bring you the history of the Kentucky Derby.
The History of the Kentucky Derby
Building Churchill Downs: the Beginning
The Kentucky Derby is celebrating its 150th year, so there is quite the history behind it. In 1875, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., inspired by European horse races, founded the Louisville Jockey Club and constructed Churchill Downs. The Churchill Downs is a racetrack built on land donated by his uncles, Henry and John Churchill.
On May 17, 1875, some 10,000 spectators gathered for the inaugural Kentucky Derby. Fifteen three-year-old thoroughbreds thundered down the track, covering a grueling 1.5 miles. The winning horse, Aristides, ridden by African-American jockey Oliver Lewis, galloped into history with a time of 2:37.75. With such optimism, many horse racing fans were hoping for the Derby to continue on for years to come.
The Early Years of the Derby
There are a lot of horse racing events across the world that started like this, and continue on to be some of the most prestigious races. In the US, the Kentucky Derby had the potential to last- if they promoted the races well. But of course, improvements have been made over the years.
Thirteen of the fifteen jockeys in the first Derby were black, and they dominated the race’s early years. Between 1875 and 1902, eleven black jockeys rode 15 of the winning horses. However, prejudice and jealousy eventually pushed African-American riders out of the sport. Jimmy Winkfield, the last black jockey to win the Derby, achieved the feat in 1901 and 1902.
Another significant change occurred in the Derby’s early years—the shortening of the race. In 1896, responding to complaints that the distance was too long, the event was reduced from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles. This is the length of the event today. Aside from knowing where to bet on horse racing, you must also know details like this so you can make well-informed wagers on the races.
Promoting the Kentucky Derby
Horse racing has always been a lucrative business venture, which is why nowadays, a lot of people are learning how to open a racebook. The Kentucky Derby can generate millions in betting handle, and this is only one out of the dozens of popular races happening around the world.
But of course, the Derby was not as popular then as it is now. Back in 1902, Martin “Matt” Winn took the reins at Churchill Downs. He transformed the Derby from a local event into America’s most iconic horse race. Winn introduced French pari-mutuel machines, replacing human bookmakers. This took the races to another level.
The Triple Crown
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a standalone race; it’s the first leg of the Triple Crown. Winning the Derby sets the stage for the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only a select few horses have achieved this elusive trifecta, etching their names in racing lore.
The inclusion in the Triple Crown makes the Kentucky Derby a very popular event. In horse betting, this means more options for players. Aside from betting on the race itself, horse bettors can place wagers on who will win the Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby Today
Now that the Derby is 150 years in the running, you cannot talk about horse racing without mentioning this event. Each year, over 150,000 fans flock to Churchill Downs wearing colorful outfits and extravagant hats and fascinators. And to those who are not in Kentucky can still access the races by watching on tv. They can also enjoy winning from betting on their favorite horses though online racebooks.
