A Little “Derby” Trivia

History

1872 – Idea from Colonel William Clark, grandson of Clark of Lewis and Clark
Expedition fame…., modeled after races observed in Europe. Formed Louisville
Jockey Club to promote Kentucky Derby. Took the name from the Earl of Derby,
which first sponsored the English “Derby” in 1780.

1875 – First race, which was 1 ½ miles, or 12 furlongs. Today’s race = 10 furlongs,
or 1 ¼ miles.

From 1875 – 1092, 15 of the 28 winning jockeys were African Americans. Youngest
jockey ever was Lonnie Clayton, who won in 1892 at the age of 15.

“Run for the Roses”, also a tradition began by Col. Clark. A laurel of 554 roses is
draped over the winning horse.

Betting today exceeds $100,000,000.

Triple Crown Winners

There have been 13 Triple Crown winners, the first being “Sir Barton”.

Only 3 “Fillies” (mares/female horses) have ever won the Derby, but two of the
three winners went on to become Triple Crown winners.

Secretariat: the Virginia Horse, winner in 1973

Fastest Derby Winner ever! Fastest Triple Crown Winner and the first horse to
run the race in under 2 minutes.

Other Racing Facts

Maximum of 20 horses (all Thoroughbreds) in the Derby and only 3 year olds.

Racehorses can only have 18 letters in their name.

All racehorses are tattooed under their upper lip, forever identifying them and
keeping unsavory trainers from lying about horses.