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
Locust Grove Handicap the Locust Grove Handicap, Ipi Tombe became the first horse bred in Zimbabwe to ever win a race at Churchill Downs. Time record: (at the distance of miles) Locust Grove Handicap The Locust Grove Handicap is an American Grade III Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in late June/early July at Louisville, Kentucky. Raced on turf at a distance of miles (9 furlongs), it is open to fillies and mares, three years of age and older. In 1982 the race was run at a distance of one mile then the following year changed to 1 1/16 and was