Churchill Downs to help him run the rack was Col. Matt Winn of Louisville. Churchill Downs prospered and the Kentucky Derby then became the preeminent stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses in North America. During that early period, a new clubhouse was built in order to promote social interaction, and new events such as steeplechases, automobile races, and band concerts were held at the track. The State Fair was held on the grounds, featuring the odd spectacle of two locomotives being intentionally crashed head-on in the infield. On June 5, 1907, African American jockey James Lee set a record that has never
Ajax Downs creation of the new slots facility and construction of a full 6 furlong (1 furlong = 1/8th of a mile, 660ft, 220yards, or 201.1 meters) oval racetrack which was completed in 2009 and is still operated by the Picov family. Ajax Downs is home to many notable stakes races, including qualifying events for the AQHA Bank of America Racing Challenge program. The richest Quarter Horse race in Canada honors Alex Picovs memory with the name The Alex Picov Memorial and is run yearly at Ajax Downs. Live racing is May through October and is fun for the whole family. Many