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
Blame (horse) a 3-year-old Blame colt, also won a stakes race in March, the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes held at Gulfstream Park. Maraud also won the Grade 2 American Turf Stakes in May at Churchill Downs. Blamed, a 3-year-old Blame filly, has five wins and a second in six lifetime starts, including three wins in 2018 at Sunland Park. Beyond Blame, a 3-year-old filly, won the Grade 3 Regret Stakes in June at Churchill Downs and the $200,000 Indiana Grand Stakes in September. Miss Kentucky, a 4-year-old filly, won the Grade 3 Winning Colors Stakes in May at Churchill Downs. Senga,