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Big Brown | History | Kentucky Derby® | Kentucky Oaks® | Derby and Oaks Contenders 2008 | Win, Place, Show
Churchill Downs®, which opened in 1875, is a significant place in the history of horse racing in the United States and home of the Kentucky Derby, a race that every horse trainer and horse owner dreams of winning. The idea of opening Churchill Downs® came from Colonel M. Lewis Clark, grandson of former Missouri governor and Lewis and Clark Expedition co-leader General William Clark. Clark was amazed by the big race tracks in France and England while in Europe so he decided to create the same atmosphere and racing action in the United States.
The first Kentucky Derby® was run on the official opening day of the track May 17, 1875. Many people might be surprised to know that the first Kentucky Derby® winner, chestnut colt named Aristides was trained and ridden by African-Americans Ansel Williamson and Oliver Lewis. The track was not known as Churchill Downs® until eight years later in 1883.
For more information, contact us, or call your Derby Experiences Representative at 1 (866) 834-8663.
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Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Oaks®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated®.
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| Appreciating the Kentucky Derby® and Kentucky Oaks® is a sensory experience. |
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