Kentucky, LOUISVILLE early and Racing History

About Churchill Downs

Horse Racing Kentucky has a rich history, dating back to 1789 kurkursi first race was laid out in Lexington. However, it was nearly 100 years later, in 1875, that Kentucky Derby At Churchill Downs  officially opened and began to slide tradition as the "home of the Kentucky Derby" In 1787, the Commons, a park-like block near Lexington's Race Street was used by horsemen for racing. By 1789, complaints safety "minded" citizens led to the development of the race meet in the Commons. The people who organized this race, it seems, Kentucky statesman HENRY CLAY, and formed the first club rider. The company later became Kentucky Jockey Club in 1809.

Racing in Louisville dates back to 1783 when local sources reported that races were held on the market in the downtown area . To reduce the problems associated with street racing on big busy city , a course was developed in 1805 in Shippingport Island . The race was held on the island on the Ohio River in what is called ELM Tree Gardens .

By 1827 , a new song , called Hope wine course was built on what is now the main route and 16 . Racing is held at a number of private tracks located on farms throughout the local area . One of the most prominent of these was Peter Funk Beargrass Track is located in an area bordered by Hurstbourne Lane and sugar in TAYLORSVILLE .Oakland track was opened in the fall of 1833 and brought racing back to the track official , complete with clubhouse, located in what is now seven and Magnolia Street in what is now the " Old Louisville " neighborhood .