Churchill Downs
Posted by: 
stinger503
N 38° 12.340 W 085° 46.305
16S E 607537 N 4229347
Pair of plaques describing the history of this famous track
Waymark Code: WMEYZV
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 07/25/2012
Views: 27
There are two plaques dedicated to the Churchill Downs located in this area. The first is located at the entrance to the parking lot outside of the stadium:
"Home of the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held sporting event in America, for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Astrides, owned by H.P McGrath & ridden by black jockey Oliver Lewis, won the 1st Derby in 1875. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of explorer Wm. Clark, named and modeled the Ky. Derby after English Epsom Derby.
The second plaque is located just inside the facility in the horse "showing" area's garden:
"Organized 1874 as Louisville Jockey Club by sportsman Col. M. Lewis Clark. Track built on land leased from Clark's uncles, John and Henry Churchill. Twin-spired grandstand, a National Historic Landmark, first used in 1895. Col. Matt Winn (1861-1949) assumed management in 1902, saving track from bankruptcy. Under his leadership, Churchill Downs known worldwide as Ky. Derby site.
Note the 2nd plaque may require a fee to get to.
Marker Name: Churchill Downs
Marker Location: City
Type of Marker: Building
Marker Number (for official markers): 2255
Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker:
Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky Historical Society
Kentucky Department of Highways
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Visit Instructions:
A picture of the site or anything specific to the text on marker.