History of the Kentucky Derby

All the way back to the 18th century, Kentucky has a special and unique history of horse racing, when Lexington got its very first race course, when Churchill Downs was first officially opened and there were races held in different courses from that time in 1789 to 1875.

In 1872, Col. M Lewis Clark created a Louisville Jockey Club to hold racing meets. To house the best horses in the breeding industry, the development of the new Kentucky racetrack began. The new track was named Churchill Downs by 1883. It was finally incorporated into the Churchill Downs name in 1937.

Publicly the track was established in May of 1874. Clark raised funds over $30,000 dollar, by selling membership subscriptions. At $100 a pop, he sold the subscriptions and leased over 80 acres of land. The whole track had a number of different stables which were completed before the opening race of the track and also had a clubhouse, grandstand, and porter’s lodge.

The Clark Handicap, the Kentucky Oaks, and the Kentucky Derby were the three different races were designed by Clark. The Derby, Clark Handicap, and Kentucky Oaks have continued to be held at the Churchill Downs, since 1875 and remains Kentucky Derby betting favorite.

Over the course of the years, on the Churchill Downs, some of the best horses and jockeys have raced and it has become one of the most prestigious racing venues in all of horse racing. There have been a lot of different renovations over the years, the biggest and the most recent being 2002. The track underwent a $121 million renovation.

In the horse racing circuit, the Churchill Downs racetrack continues to be the best tracks, which showcases some of the best horses in the world and will continue to do the same. It will continue to add to that history as time goes on along with a long history of incredible races.

The History of Belmont Park racetrack

As the 1978 Belmont Stakes began everyone’s eyes were on the two thoroughbreds that make up one of the greatest rivalries in the history of horse racing: Affirmed and Alydar.
The race was held at Belmont Park, third and final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Affirmed had won two legs with Alydar finishing second in Triple Crown Race.

No horse has been able to win a Triple Crown in nearly 32 years since Affirmed’s classic win. Since 1978, eleven horses have entered the race and failed after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

In 1905, Belmont Park, hosted the Belmont Stakes for the first time. Prior to it the race was held at Jerome Park (1867-1889) and Morris Park (1890-1904). August Belmont, Sr., financed the first race, after whom the race and park was named.

At 1.5 miles, Belmont Park features the largest dirt track in thoroughbred racing.

At that distance many 3-year-olds have never raced before. This results in races which yield surprises at a more consistent rate than the other two Triple Crown races.

In 1973, by a record 31 lengths, in 2:24.00, Secretariat finished his Triple Crown bid by winning the Belmont Stakes, still a race record.

In 1975, the race between Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure was deemed “Equine Battle of the Sexes”. In the race, Ruffian’s leg snapped and eventually was euthanized and buried in Belmont Park’s infield.

To see if Smarty Jones would be the first Triple Crown winner in 26 years, in 2004, a crowd of 120,139 packed into Belmont Park. Birdstone won by 36-1 long shot, with Smarty Jones finishing second.

In its 105-year history, Belmont Park has been the subject of reconstruction. While the Park was rebuilt, the Belmont Stakes was held at nearby Aqueduct Racetrack from 1963-1967.

Horse Racing Scandal – Big Brown Congressional Hearing on Steroid Use

You know congress is getting silly when they go after a horse for steroid abuse… why Big Brown why – didn’t you learn from all the hassles the baseball players got for their steroid abuses?

As bad as your actions were I can’t believe that Affirmed would rat you out like that… glue factory is too good for that horse – can you say dog food?

E. Zack Lee