The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race it is a tradition of the American people, made great by the numerous equines, trainers, jockeys, and owners, who achieved their greatest success, through the giving of the best they had to offer. So it is here that we should remember some of them.
In 1875 at the inaugural running of the Kentucky Derby Aristides ran to fame with his jockey Oliver Lewis. Together they marked history as being the first winners of the now famous and internationally acclaimed Kentucky Derby.
At that time however there were no roses for Aristides, the popular tradition was later established when Hall of Famer Ben Brush took the title of first in 1896.
Although the Kentucky Derby is reserved for three year old thoroughbreds, in 1882, for the first and only time ever two year old Apollo won the derby, finishing first.
In 1915 a little filly named Regret stole America’s heart and became the first filly to ever wear the roses. In the history of the Kentucky Derby there have only been three.
It wasn’t until 1917 that the Kentucky Derby had its first English bred winner Omar Khayyam. This colt marks history as being the first foreign-bred horse to wear the roses.
In 1919 Sir Barton became the first winner of the Kentucky Derby to go on and claim first at the Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes, ushering in the American Triple Crown era.
The fastest time ever achieved at the Kentucky Derby at its present distance was in 1973 when Secretariat, broke the record at 1 minute and 59 2/5 seconds, which was set in 1964 by Northern Dancer. His record stood for 35 years, and remains unbroken. Secretariat brought something truly unique to the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown racing series as well. Through each successive quarter of the race his times kept growing, until the finish. In 1973 he became the first Triple Crown winner in twenty five years.
These names among many others, are truly the heart of the Kentucky Derby, and will always be remembered in history as the finest the racing world has to offer.
