1875 Kentucky Derby
The 1875 Kentucky Derby was the first running of the Kentucky Derby.[1] The race took place on May 17, 1875.[2] The first Kentucky Derby was a 1.5-mile race, and the traditional distance of 1.25 miles was not established until the 1896 Derby.[3] Thirteen of the fifteen jockeys in the race, including winner Oliver Lewis, were African-American.[4] Attendance was estimated at 10,000.[5]
The winner was Aristides, by two lengths. His jockey was Oliver Lewis, his trainer was Ansel Williamson, and his owner was H.P. McGrath. Aristides' half-brother and stablemate Chesapeake also ran in the race. Both Aristides' jockey and trainer were black. Aristides's time of 2 minutes and 37.75 seconds was at the time a world record for the distance.
Full results
| Finished | Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time / behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Aristides | Oliver Lewis | Ansel Williamson | H.P. McGrath | 2:37.75 |
| 2nd | Volcano | H. Williams | George H. Rice | |||
| 3rd | Verdigris | W. Chambers | C.A. Lewis | |||
| 4th | Bob Woolley | William Walker | Robinson, Morgan & Co. | |||
| 5th | Ten Broeck | M. Kelso | Harry Colston | F.B. Harper | ||
| 6th | Grenoble | J. Carter | Allen Bashford | |||
| 7th | Bill Bruce | M. Jones | S.J. Salyer | |||
| 8th | Chesapeake | W. Henry | H.P. McGrath | |||
| 9th | Searcher | R. Colston | J.B. Rodes | |||
| 10th | Ascension | W. Lakeland | William Cottrill | |||
| 11th | Enlister | Halloway | Stringfield and Clay | |||
| 12th | McCreery | D. Jones | Gen. Abe Buford | |||
| 13th | Warsaw | Masterson | Stringfield and Clay | |||
| 14th | Vagabond | J. Houston | A.B. Lewis & Co. | |||
| 15th | Gold Mine | Stradford | J.A. Grinstead |
Payout
The winner received a purse of $2,850. The second-place finisher received $200.[6]
