Amongst the partying, gambling, and fashion, the race, itself, is arguably the most
exciting part of all the festivities. The first running of the Kentucky Derby was recorded to
be a beautiful day in John O’Connor’s History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921, “If the
officers of the Association could have had the pick from the calendar of the year, there could
not have been a more delightful and charming day,” as fifteen Thoroughbreds lined up in the
gates in front of an estimated 10,000 people. A chestnut colt named Aristides was the first 6
winner the Kentucky Derby and was ridden by an African American man, Oliver Lewis.
Lewis was one of many African American jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby. From 1875 to
1902, African-American jockeys won…