1. 1875: The first running of the Kentucky Derby takes place
Photo: wcpo
Photo: pinterest
On this day in 1875, the very first running of the Kentucky Derby takes place at what would become known as the Churchill Downs. The race would have 15 jockeys riding some of the fastest thoroughbred horses in the world. Winning the race was Oliver Lewis riding the horse named Aristides with a time of 2 min 37 seconds, which happened to be the world record at the time. Winning the Kentucky Derby can bring a lot of money to the rider with some of the highest purses in horse racing. In 2016 it was estimated at around $2.5 million. The purse in 1875 was said to be $2,850.
