In keeping with our attempt to lighten up a seasonal topic we thought you might be interested in learning a few lesser-known facts about the Derby. Some may surprise you.
- 1875: first running of the Derby; Aristides won in front of 10,000 spectators
- The track was founded by Merriwether Lewis Clark, grandson of William Clark (Louisiana Purchase explorer)
- 1883: formally named Churchill Downs after Mr. Clark’s two uncles, John and Henry Churchill.
- 1899: apparently stressed by financial pressures, Mr. Clark takes his own life.
- 1904: the red rose becomes the official flower of the Derby.
- 1915: the first filly (Regret) wins the Derby.
- 1930: Gallant Fox wins the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont and is referred to as the first Triple Crown winner.
- 1938: a tunnel is constructed under the track to allow patrons access to the infield.
- 1949: the first TV broadcast of the Derby as Ponder wins the race.
- 1968: Dancer’s Image crosses the finish line first but is disqualified for bumping. Forward Pass is declared the winner. (FYI: this is also the year that the winner of the Masters Golf Tournament is disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.)
- 1973: Sham is the only horse to run the race in under 2 minutes AND LOSE. Secretariat actually won the race with a record time and went on to win the Triple Crown.
- 1977: Seattle Slew wins the Derby, Preakness and Belmont and is the only horse to do so undefeated.
- 1986: Churchill Downs is placed on the National Historic Landmarks list.
- 2004: Smarty Jones wins the Derby and is the only horse ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- 2018: Justify wins the Triple Crown.
- 2020: for only the second time in its history, the Derby is cancelled due to COVID. The only other cancellation was in 1945 during World War II.
- 2022: Rich Strike won as the second longest shot (odds) going off at 80 to1.
This year’s run for the roses will happen on May 6th. It’s been called “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. Judge for yourself.
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