Saturday, May 06, 2000
Derby survived wartime, depressions
Take our test on track's past
By Ray Schaefer
Enquirer Contributor
The Kentucky Derby hasn't always been the most exciting two minutes in sports.
In fact, the Kentucky Derby was started in 1875 as part of Churchill Downs' undercard. The track began the 20th Century by nearly shutting down.
Disputes with bookmakers, two Depressions (1897 and the 1930s) and World War II nearly doomed the track as well.
Today's 20 Questions finale theme is: How the Kentucky Derby survived Churchill Downs' storied past and thrives today, on its 126th annual race. The answers to the questions are brought to you by Lynn S. Renau, author of Jockeys, Belles and Bluegrass Kings, Official Guide to Kentucky Racing, and by the Web site, Call to the Derby Post(www.derbypost.com).
1. Was Churchill Downs Louisville's first horse track?
No. The Oakland Race Course opened in 1832 in southwest Louisville, but it closed because it was deemed too far in the country to attract city customers. Then the Woodlawn Race Course opened in 1857, but it shut down because it could not compete with tracks in other cities.
2. Was the Kentucky Derby the featured race when Churchill Downs opened May 17, 1875?
Again, no. The Louisville Cup and the Gentlemen's Cup races were bigger. But almost from the start, though, the Kentucky Derby grabbed headlines. In the inaugural race, Aristides set a world record for the 1.5-mile distance. The race's length was later shortened to a mile-and-a-quarter.
3. When did Churchill Downs nearly close?
The Depression of 1897 forced horse breeders into bankruptcy. From 1895 through 1904 there were only 53 Derby contenders. By 1902, the track likely would have closed had not Louisville businessman Matt Winn and friends Louis Seelbach and Charles F. Grainger come up with the $40,000 asking price.
4. How did World War II affect the Derby?
Federal rules banning nonessential (recreational) travel nearly wiped out the 1943 race, but Mr. Winn persuaded out-of-town box-holders to buy tickets but not attend. Some 62,000 Louisville residents watched Count Fleet win the first leg of his Triple Crown.
The June 9, 1945, race featured a 16-horse field. It was the only time the Derby didn't run in May.
Diversity puts fresh twist on Derby
Driver in fatal crash sentenced 6 months
Proposed gold medal for Ali prompts fight
Fenwick principal survives stabbing
Average students also count
Jefferson reunion tests family ties
Kidnapping suspect in court
Driver tells sheriff he hit cyclist
Taft violin sold for record price
'Michael Ham-gelo' inspires students
GET TO IT
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
TRISTATE DIGEST
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
Attacker badly wounds woman
Bill eases option for employees
Derby survived wartime, depressions
Exam uses bricks, balloons
Frederick M. Moore, 66, was longtime printer for Enquirer
Free OSU tickets longtime tradition
Kenton tax plan blasted
Morgan school celebrates 100 years
Robbery case sent to federal court
Separate lawyer sought for kids
Traficant: FBI corrupt
