1875 Kentucky Derby

1st Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
Grade I stakes race
LocationChurchill Downs
DateMay 17, 1875
Winning horseAristides
JockeyOliver Lewis
TrainerAnsel Williamson
OwnerH. Price McGrath
SurfaceDirt
1876 →

The 1875 Kentucky Derby was the first running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 17, 1875.[1][2] The first Kentucky Derby was a 1.5-mile race, and the traditional distance of 1.25 miles was not established until the 1896 Derby.[3] Thirteen of the fifteen jockeys in the race, including winner Oliver Lewis, were African-American.[4] Attendance was estimated at 10,000.[5]

The winner was Aristides, by two lengths. His jockey was Oliver Lewis, his trainer was Ansel Williamson, and his owner was H. Price McGrath. Aristides' half-brother and stablemate Chesapeake also ran in the race. Both Aristides' jockey and trainer were black. Aristides's time of 2 minutes and 37.75 seconds was at the time a world record for the distance.

  1. ^ Renau, Lynn S. (2001). "Kentucky Derby". In Kleber, John E. (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Louisville. Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky. pp. 467–470. ISBN 0-8131-2100-0. OCLC 247857447. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  2. ^ O'Connor, John L. (1921). "First Derby 1875". History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921. New York: Rider Press. pp. 134–137. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  3. ^ Elliot, Jessica. "Kentucky Derby Facts and History". About.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  4. ^ "The First Kentucky Derby, May 17, 1875". America's Library. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  5. ^ "What Happened from 1870 to 1879". The People History. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2024.