Do you know about the Kentucky Derby?
Let’s talk about it! The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race that is held every year in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. was inspired by famous horse races he saw in England and France, and when he returned to Kentucky he decided to create his own exciting race. He started the Louisville Jockey Club and built the famous track known as Churchill Downs.
This race was first held on May 17 1875, (that was 152 years ago!) and 15 horses competed, and the winner of the race was a horse named Aristides and his jockey Oliver Lewis.
Here are some fun facts about the Kentucky Derby:
- “Riders Up!” is a special command given the Grand Marshall, telling the jockeys to get on their horses before the race. In 2025, Simone Biles was the Grand Marshall!
- The fastest time in the Derby was 1:59.4 minutes, set by Secretariat in 1973.
- The Derby trophy is made of 14-karat gold and is about 22 in tall.
- The Kentucky Derby is one part of the famous Triple Crown, next to the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes.
- Diane Crump was the first woman jockey to ever ride in the Derby in 1970.
We celebrated this year’s Kentucky Derby by holding our own version here at DeKalb Public Library, take a look at some photos captured by the press!
Did the Kentucky Derby catch your eye? Check out some of these books by placing an online hold, or give us a call at 815-756-9568 ext. 3350.
