All around the world millions of people tune in to watch the Kentucky Derby horse race on their TV sets. The derby is a modern version of a racing sport that took place centuries ago. One can commence a history of horse racing by discussing that ancient sport of racing chariots but that does not give a full picture of how we view horse racing today. Nowadays people do not need to go to the Hippodrome and watch horses rushing violently around the track with chariot in tow.

You are probably somewhat familiar with Henry VIII, king of England in the early 1500s. If so, you know that he had a propensity for collecting wives. He also had a propensity for buying horses. His agents were sent to North Africa, Italy and Spain to get the finest horses from those areas. These horses would be pitted in a race against those of other nobles. It is presumed that the phrase “The Sport of Kings” came from Henry VIII and his races.

Two centuries later and across the Atlantic, we find ourselves in the English colony of America. Horse racing became a staple to American life, especially in Kentucky. In Kentucky, pretty much every major settlement had a section of land off the main road specifically set aside for the racing of horses. Furthermore, the famous statesman Henry Clay was the founder of one of Kentucky’s first jockey clubs.

Churchill Downs, located in Kentucky, is one of the most famous race tracks in the world and is where the Kentucky Derby is held. It was founded by Colonel M. Lewis Clark, grandson of the famous explorer William Clark. The name Churchill Downs was given in honor of one of his uncles who was an investor in the track.

In May 1875, the track opened and featured three races. These were the Kentucky Derby, a race of the best three year old colts in all the land, the Kentucky Oaks, a similar race for three year old fillies, and the Clark handicap, and event for horses three years and older. These races are still run today.

During the 1950′s massive developments and improvements were made to the track. Barns were built with concrete firewalls. The grandstand and clubhouse were equipped with automated sprinkler systems. In 1954 film for replay of the races were put in to aid judges in determining winners.

Throughout the ages, visitors to tracks from all over the world have witnessed some of the fastest and most powerful horses competing. Names like Secretariat, Citation, Kelso, and Barbaro are forever burned into the memories of racing enthusiasts.

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