The Nobel History Of The Kentucky Derby

The Nobel History Of The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest consecutively run thoroughbred horse race in the United States and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Run on the first Saturday in May each year at the world famous Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, it attracts the attention of millions of fans who attend in person, watch on television, or listen by radio. The celebratory pomp and circumstance attending this event is unparalleled in American sports. You've simply got to see it to believe it.

The most sought after prize in American thoroughbred racing is the Triple Crown, awarded to the horse who can win all 3 of America's most competitive events in one season; the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont Stakes. The challenge is only open to 3 year olds. Only 11 horses have ever won the triple crown and it hasn't been won since Affirmed won all three races in 1978. The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown and naturally all eyes turn to Churchill Downs each Spring to see which contender will take the first jewel.

When speaking of the history of the Kentucky Derby, it is impossible to ignore the history of Churchill Downs, as their stories are so entertwined. Few would ever guess the now famous race and its home, Churchill Downs, have origins connected to George Roger's Clark, the revolutionary war hero who founded Louisville, Kentucky and his brother William Clark, who explored the great north west with Meriwether Lewis. The connection to the two famous Clarks is Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who founded and built the track at Churchill Downs and commissioned the first Kentucky Derby. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, known as "Lutie" Clark, was the grandson of William Clark and the great nephew of George Roger's Clark.

Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky January 27, 1846 to Meriwether Lewis Clark and Abigail Prather Churchill. Upon his mother's death, at the age of 6, he was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle who raised him to adulthood. Lutie's Uncles John and Henry Churchill were said to be inseparable and cultivated an interest in horse breeding in their young nephew. As a young adult, Lutie was also introduced to horse racing by his father-in-law Richard Ten Broeck, who was an accomplished horse breeder and trainer.

The dream that became the legend of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby all started when Lutie Clark, an ambitious 26 year old, traveled abroad and attended two of Europe's most famous horse racing events. While overseas in 1872 and 1873 he attended the Epsom Derby near London England and the Grand Prix de Paris in Paris France. He met with their respective representatives and inquired about their operations while conceiving his plan to build a similar facility back home in Louisville, Kentucky.