Saddle up, it’s off to the races. The Kentucky Derby is Kentucky’s pride and joy. The longest continuously running sports event in the United States.
The first race took place on May 17th, 1875. Held at the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park association later called Churchill Downs. Jockeys raced on a 1.5-mile track, including Oliver Lewis.
Lewis was born 1856 in Kentucky. He entered the competition with Aristides. A red chestnut colt with a star on his forehead and a pair of white socks on his hind legs. Owned by a gambler named HP McGrath.
Aristides was trained by Ansel Williamson. An African American known for training top class thoroughbred horses in Alabama.
On the day of the Derby about 10,000 spectators watched Lewis and Aristides blaze through the competition. Crowned first place in the Kentucky Derby.
Success continued as the dynamic duo won three races at the Louisville Jockey Club that season. Scored second place in the Belmont Stakes. Later known as part of the Triple Crown. A series of races for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
African Americans excelled in racing and horse training in the late 1800s. After retirement from racing, Lewis wrote handicapping charts and facilitated horse bets as a bookmaker. He was married with several children and passed away in 1924.
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