Jockey Ronald "Ron" Turcotte riding Riva Ridge to the win at the 1972 Kentucky Derby. Turcotte is best known as the rider of Secretariat, winner of the U. S. Triple Crown the next year, 1973.
Back of photo reads "The first steamboat race in more than 30 years will line the banks of the Ohio River near Louisville with spectators April 30 when the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville vie as a feature of the Kentucky Derby Festival." February 1968.
Article from "Spirit of the Times," 4 August 1877 about the sale of racehorse Baden-Baden. Jockey Williams "Billy" Walker rode Baden-Baden to win the 3rd Kentucky Derby in 1877. Walker was the leading rider at Churchill Downs in the fall racing season of 1875-1876 and the spring campaigns of 1876-1878. Baden-Baden was sold after the Derby to William Backhouse Astor, Jr. of New York.
On Monday, May 17, 1875, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. decided to rally the crowds for the Derby and opened the infield to the public free of charge, according to one source. The last nail was hammered into the new grandstand moments before the gate opened and the first racing fans entered. Derby Day at Churchill Downs postcard, ca. 1920-1930s.
Originating in 1956 on a budget of only $640, the annual Pegasus Parade is the Kentucky Derby Festival's oldest event. This photograph shows a U. S. Army Armor Center parade float, ca. 1960s.
Kentucky Derby hats are a long-standing tradition started by women; however men have taken part in the tradition as well over the years. For well-to-do late 19th and early 20th century women, Derby day was an opportunity to be seen in the latest fashions.
