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Kentucky Derby – A Brief History

The Kentucky Derby is a horse racing tradition that dates as far back as 1783, marking the beginning of a long racing tradition with a rich and storied past. From “The Commons” to “Shippingport”, today’s permanent location for The Kentucky Derby is at Churchill Downs; established in 1883.

Kentucky horse racing can be traced back to 1783 when locals would race around the city streets.  Here is a brief Kentucky Derby racing timeline.

1787 – ‘The Commons’ a park-like city street block was used for racing

1789 – a group of ‘safety minded’ citizens created a formal location for race meets

1805 – Racing moved to Shippingport Island and away from the city streets permanently

1827 – a new track known as Hope Distillery Course was built at a local farm

1833 – The Oakland Race Course was opened with the first formal racetrack and clubhouse

1858 – moved to Woodland Course, east of downtown Louisville, also the birthplace of the Woodland Vase, a wooden trophy presented to the winner

Kentucky Derby Racecourse Aerial Shot
Kentucky Derby Racecourse Aerial Shot

By 1873, Col M. Lewis Clark was developing a racetrack to showcase Kentucky breeding. The track was known as ‘Churchill Downs’, named by the Louisville Commercial Newspaper and officially opened in May 1875.

Churchill Downs was not an immediate success. It was 28 years later in 1903 and under new administration before the track showed its first true profit. The track grew in popularity over the next decade with several clubs and associations being developed. While many tracks remain in the area, Churchill Downs remains as the premier track of Kentucky.


Enter The TV Revolution

The first live telecast of the Kentucky Derby aired on May 3, 1952. The popularity of the Derby in the following years exploded bringing in untold millions in revenue from wagering and tourism, thus financing further clubhouse and grandstand expansion and improvements to the track.  It was not long before the Kentucky Derby was the premier race of America and soon became known as ‘America’s Race’.


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Kentucky Derby High Stake Fashions

Outside the global pandemic, the Kentucky Derby is an annual event that attracts over 150,000 visitors from all over the world producing more than $100 million in wagers. The spectators themselves create a fashionable extravaganza creating something like a milliner’s dreamscape with hats of all designs dotting the field. Expect plenty of fashion parades, hat contests and entertainment that runs over several days.

Of course, horse racing fan or not, the sheer thrill and energy of the big race is one not to be missed.

Fascinators are the high stake fashion choice.
Fascinators are the high stake fashion choice.

Quick Facts

Location
Louisville, Kentucky. Approximately 300 miles or 5 hours drive south-east of Chicago. From Nashville, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive or 175 miles northeast.

When
Beginning of May annually

Book
Now! Everything from track entry tickets to flights and to accommodation book out early.

About the author

Jason Dutton-Smith is a professional nomad, first-class-wannabe and curious adventurer who enjoys travel that's two parts planned, to one part self-discovery. When at home, chief tea maker.

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