Saturday, May 2, America and the world will be glued to their TV sets to watch the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875 and was witnessed by roughly 10,000 people. The first race was run on a 1 1/2-mile course that was shortened to 1 1/4 miles the next year, in 1876, and has remained this length ever since.
The race is often called “The most exciting two minutes in sports,” as most races have been won in just over two minutes. In the 140-plus races, just two winners have broken the two-minute mark, including the all-time record holder Secretariat with a time of 1:59.4 in 1973.
Kentucky Derby Beginnings
In 1872-73, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (often called “Lutie”), the grandson of explorer William Clark of Lewis & Clark fame, traveled to England and France at age 26. There, he immersed himself in Europe’s grand horse-racing tradition. He attended England’s prestigious Epsom Derby, met prominent racing figures such as Admiral Rous, and studied France’s innovative pari-mutuel betting system at events like the Grand Prix de Paris. These experiences inspired him to create a world-class American racetrack to elevate Kentucky’s thriving Thoroughbred industry.
Upon returning to Louisville, Clark envisioned the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association. He incorporated it in 1874 and set out to build a premier racetrack. To fund the project, he raised $32,000 by selling 320 memberships at $100 each. The grounds—about three miles south of Louisville—occupied 80 acres leased from his maternal uncles, John and Henry Churchill (whose family name would later grace the track). The Churchill brothers, successful entrepreneurs and horse enthusiasts, provided crucial financial backing and land support for the venture.
Construction moved quickly, and on May 17, 1875, the new track—initially known as the Louisville Jockey Club—hosted its inaugural meet. That day featured the first Kentucky Derby, a 1.5-mile race for three-year-olds (later shortened to the current 1¼ miles in 1896). A crowd of about 10,000 spectators watched 15 horses compete, with Aristides (ridden by African American jockey Oliver Lewis) winning in 2:37.75. Notably, 13 of the 15 jockeys in that historic race were Black, reflecting the significant yet often overlooked role of African American riders in early American Thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby – Fun Facts
Lewis & Clark Connection: The Kentucky Derby’s founder was directly tied to one of America’s greatest exploration stories. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. carried forward the pioneering spirit of his grandfather, turning his vision into a lasting American tradition that has run continuously since 1875—the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the United States.
Name Evolution: The track wasn’t officially called “Churchill Downs” until around 1883 (when Leonatus won the Derby and the name appeared in references). Clark served as president for the first 20 years, pioneering many racing rules and standards still used today. He also introduced the idea of a U.S. Triple Crown centered on his Derby.
Early Accessibility: Clark promoted the event as one for both elites and everyday fans by not charging for infield admission in the early years, helping boost popularity and attendance.
This foundation transformed a family-backed racetrack into the “Run for the Roses,” now a global spectacle and Kentucky’s most iconic sporting tradition. The twin spires and Derby magic that followed all trace back to Clark’s European-inspired dream.
Kentucky Derby – More than just a race
The Kentucky Derby is far more than a two-minute race. In fact, the Kentucky Derby is but one of 25 races at Churchill Downs on the weekend.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Derby weekend is one of the nation’s most unique and influential cultural events. The Derby is known for its many celebrities in attendance on “Millionaire’s Row”, hats, fashion, the roses, “My Old Kentucky Home”, and, of course, the wagering. There will be roughly 130 million dollars (officially) wagered on the Kentucky Derby, which is about 1/3 more than was bet just a decade ago.
Of course, the Kentucky Derby is not complete without food and drink. The Kentucky Derby’s unofficial dish is burgoo, a thick meat-and-vegetable stew served all weekend. The drink of the Derby is known to all: the Mint Julep. Since 1939, the Kentucky Derby has offered a souvenir glass for the libation of choice.
Since this is a safe place, I must admit to not being a fan of the Mint Julep. I have tried many different variations, but in the end, I have confirmed that the Mint Julep is not for me. If you feel the same way, join me in enjoying another Bourbon-based cocktail on the day. We love a Classic Manhattan made with Bourbon. The Commodore marries Bourbon with Crème de Cacao, guaranteed to satisfy sugar cravings, and the Louisville Cooler is often overlooked, but it’s perfect on Derby Day.