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"Horse racing
in Kentucky is rich in history, dating back to 1789 when the first
race course was laid out in Lexington. However, it was almost 100
years later, in 1875, that Churchill Downs officially opened and began
its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby."
In 1787, The Commons, a park-like block near Lexington's Race Street was used by horsemen for racing. By 1789, complaints by "safety minded" citizens led to the formal development of a race meet at The Commons. The men who organized this race meet, including Kentucky Statesman Henry Clay, also formed the Commonwealth's first Jockey Club. The organization later was named the Kentucky Jockey Club in 1809." Derby History Timeline
Churchhill downs was formally opened May 17, 1875 with four races scheduled. See the first clubhouse.
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