Homepage

Sports

Vintage photos show the glamorous history of the Kentucky Derby

Gabbi Shaw

2021-04-30T13:25:01Z

Princess Margaret — Princess Margaret at the 1974 Kentucky Derby. AP

The Kentucky Derby, which started in 1875, is the oldest continuous major sporting event in the US.
On May 4, Churchill Downs will once again be filled with thousands of spectators to watch the race.
These photos show how the celebrations have changed — and how they've stayed the same.

Advertisement

The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest days in sports, with over $100 million placed in bets on which horse will win — or lose — the big day.

On Saturday, the spectators at Churchill Downs will be there for a milestone: This year's race is the 150th Kentucky Derby, after it started way back in 1875.

Here's what it was like to attend the Kentucky Derby from the 1920s all the way to the early 2000s.

Sarah Jacobs and Caroline Fox contributed to a prior version of this story.

Advertisement

Though the Kentucky Derby got its start in 1875, photos only began to appear in the 1920s. During this time, the Derby was first broadcast on the radio and 5 to 6 million listeners tuned in.

Race horse Zev, shown after winning the 1923 Kentucky Derby in Louisville, with jockey Earle Sande in the saddle. (AP Photo) — Race horse Zev, shown after winning in 1923. AP

Starting in 1931, the Kentucky Derby was scheduled for the first Sunday of every May.

Kentucky Derby 1931 — Twenty Grand, the winner of the 1931 Kentucky Derby. AP

Advertisement

Even during the Great Depression, the race continued, though tickets were 50 cents for a spot in the infield. In 1932, it was broadcast on the radio internationally.

Burgoo King, winner of the Kentucky Derby, is shown in the Winners' Circle with his jockey, Eugene James, May 8, 1932, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. (AP Photo) — The winner Burgoo King, with his jockey, Eugene James in 1932. AP

In 1945, for the first time, the Kentucky Derby was delayed. From January until May, horse racing was banned as it was deemed a waste of resources during World War II. The race finally went ahead on June 9.

1945 Kentucky Derby — Hoop Jr. leads by a length during the 71st running of the Kentucky Derby on June 9, 1945. AP

Source: NBC Sports

Advertisement

It was broadcast on national television for the first time in 1952, with an estimated 10 to 15 million viewers.

Your Host (4), right, leads the pack at first turn in 76th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky on May 6, 1950. Black George (11) is second and Mr. Trouble (2) is third. Middleground, ultimate winner, is far back. (AP Photo) — The 76th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 1950. AP

Even in the 1950s, the Derby was a place to be seen. Here, New Orleans restaurateur Diamond Jim Moran gets his diamond-studded toupee adjusted before taking off for the event. He was reportedly paid $50,000 to make an appearance.

Diamond Jim Moran, New Orleans restaurateur, has his diamond studded toupee adjusted by Mrs. Camille Nolt, a beautician, just before taking off for the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, May 3, 1952. (AP Photo) — The 1952 Kentucky Derby. AP

Source: New Orleans Magazine

Advertisement

By the 1950s, those attending the races still abided by the original dress code that was instated by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., which called for "full morning dress."

Jockey Eddie Arcaro is kissed by his mother, Josephine, holding roses, after winning the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky., on May 3, 1952. Arcaro, who was riding Hill Gail, celebrates his fifth Derby win. At left is Lucille Parker Wright, whose racing stable Calumet Farm has had five Derby winners. At center is Ben Jones, who has trained all six Derby winners. (AP Photo) — Jockey Eddie Arcaro after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 1952. AP

Source: Time

In the '60s, the Derby added Millionaires Row, a premium spot to view the races and dine during the event.

A jubilant Mrs. Katherine Price of Miami, Fla., leads her horse Carry Back from the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 1961 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jockey Johnny Sellers clutches the roses. (AP Photo) — A jubilant Mrs. Katherine Price leads her horse Carry Back from the winner's circle at Churchill Downs after winning the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 1961. AP

Advertisement

In 1969, President Nixon and his wife, Pat, sat alongside then-Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, in the first-row box.

Like typical race fans, Gov. Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy excitedly follow the progress of a horse running in the sixth race of the Kentucky Derby program in Louisville, Ky., on May 3, 1969. President Richard Nixon and wife, Pat, are alongside the Reagans in first row of box. (AP Photo) — President Nixon and future President Reagan with their wives in 1969. AP

Secretariat, the winning horse of the 1973 race, still holds the record for the fastest finishing time: 1:59.40.

Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte pose in the winner's circle after winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 5, 1973. Secretariat won the 99th Run for the Roses in a record 1:59 2/5, becoming the first horse to complete the 1 1/4-mile course for the Kentucky Derby in less than two minutes. Holding on at left is groom Ed Sweet. (AP Photo) — Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte pose in the winner's circle after winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby. /AP

Source: Quartz

Advertisement

For the Derby's 100th anniversary in 1974, 163,628 fans gathered to watch the race in person, including Princess Margaret.

Princess Margaret — Britain's Princess Margaret smokes a cigarette while watching races at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 4, 1974. AP

In 1984, more than $18.9 million was waged on a single race, which was a North American record. In 2023, that number rose to $188.7 million.

Swale charges down the stretch on his way derby, May 5, 1984 in Louisville. Swale was trained by Woody Stephens and ridden by Laffit Pincay, Jr. (AP Photo) — Laffit Pincay, Jr. rides Swale in 1984. AP

Source: Spectrum News

Advertisement

In 1986, Churchill Downs officially became a National Historic Landmark.

** FILE ** In this May 2, 1987 file photo, Alysheba, left, with Chris McCarron in the saddle, heads for the finish line ahead of Bet Twice, right, to win the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Alysheba has died at 25. The champion stallion was euthanized Friday night, March 27, 2009, at a medical center in Lexington. The Kentucky Horse Park said he was buried Saturday at its Hall of Champions. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty) — The 1987 Kentucky Derby. Bob Daugherty/AP

Bold hats and outfits continued to be a staple of the Kentucky Derby in the '80s.

Jockey Pat Valenzuela gets a kiss from Mrs. Peggy Whittingham, wife of trainer Charlie Whittingham, after riding Sunday Silence to a win in the Kentucky Derby Sunday, May 8, 1989 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. Looking on is Valenzuela's wife Jeana. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) — Pat Valenzuela gets a kiss from Peggy Whittingham, wife of trainer Charlie Whittingham, after riding Sunday Silence to a win in the Kentucky Derby in 1989. Ed Reinke/AP

Advertisement

In the 1990s, Kentucky Derby ticket prices were raised to $30. This year, tickets for general admission and standing room started at $275.

Jockey Chris Antley and trainer Nick Zito clasp hand in the winner's circle after Antley guided Strike the Gold to victory in the 117th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 1991 in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) — Jockey Chris Antley in 1991. Al Behrman/AP

Source: Kentucky Derby

In 1999, fans were able to place Future Wagers, which allow spectators to bet on contenders leading up to Derby Day, raising their chances of winning.

Tracy Groff, left, and Jeanine Baum, both of Westfield, N.J. cheer on their horses during the third race of the day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 1, 1993. Neither woman had a winner as they waited for the Kentucky Derby, which was the eighth race of the day. (AP Photo/John Goff) — Kentucky Derby in 1993. John Goff/AP

Advertisement

Former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali presented the '95 trophy to jockey Donna Barton.

Former heavyweight champion and Louisville native, Muhammad Ali presents the trophy to jockey Donna Barton, left, and trainer D. Wayne Lukas, right, after Lost Pan won the second race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 1995, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Michelle Wood) — Muhammad Ali in 1995. Michelle Wood/AP

During the '90s, the hat styles became even more outrageous, with fans wearing bold and non-traditional hats.

Linda Medley, left, of Birmingham, Ala., and Joy Ostrowski of Cleveland sport their Derby headgear as they wait for the start of the Kentucky Derby in the paddock area at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 4, 1996. (AP Photo/Gail Kamenish) — The 1996 Kentucky Derby. Gail Kamenish/AP

Advertisement

Some women kept it traditional ...

Julie Hautz, left, and Judy Adams look over the results of early racing action underneath the twin spires at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 1, 1999, in Louisville, Ky. The eighth race of the day is the 125th running of the Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/James Crisp ) — May 1, 1999. James Crisp/AP

... while others wore unique pieces.

ob Stapleton of Joliet, Ill. dons a derby hat made by a friend of his wife at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2000 — A man wears a Derby hat. Brian Bohannon/AP

Advertisement

Even in the early 2000s, attendees were still paying homage to the original dress code.

Tracey Cherry, from Del Ray Beach, Fla., dons her derby hat during Kentucky Derby Day celebrations at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2000 in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Gail Kamenish) — May 6, 2000. Gail Kamenish/AP

Singer Macy Gray wore a bright pink hat to the 2004 races ...

Singers Macy Gray cheers on a race during Kentucky Derby day festivities at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 1, 2004, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings — May 1, 2004, Darron Cummings/AP

Advertisement

... and so did singer Jessica Simpson.

Singer Jessica Simpson wears a colorful hat during Kentucky Derby day festivities at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 1, 2004, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) — May 1, 2004. Darron Cummings/AP

On May 4, the Kentucky Derby is welcoming racehorses, jockeys, and fans back to the legendary Churchill Downs for the 150th year.

kentucky derby 2021 — Hidden Stash runs on the track during the training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 28, 2021. Andy Lyons / Staff/ Getty Images

Arts & Culture

Advertisement

Jump to

Main content
Search
Account