Churchill Downs is the well-known home of the Kentucky Derby, but it also hosts several other popular and important horse races. In addition to the Derby (a Grade 1 stakes race), is the Kentucky Oaks (Grade 1), Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (Grade 1) and the Clark Handicap (Grade 2).
When Churchill Downs first opened in 1875, the first Derby and Kentucky Oaks were held that year. The Derby was originally a mile and a half, but the distance was changed to the current mile and a quarter in 1896. The first Derby in 1875 attracted a field of 15 three year old horses and a crowd of 10,000 people. The first horse to win the Derby was a horse by the name of Aristides, trained by Ansel Williams. Williams would later become a Hall of Fame trainer. The colt was ridden by Oliver Lewis, who would also ride the horse to a win in the Belmont Stakes. (more…)