HISTORY · NOVEMBER 6, 2026

The first Derby: a story worth remembering

Meet the horse and rider at the beginning of the tradition.

May 17, 1875

Aristides won the first Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875, with Oliver Lewis riding. The original race was run over a mile and a half. Those names and that date offer a useful starting point for exploring the race’s history.

Remember the people behind the race

The history of Derby racing includes the work and achievements of Black jockeys, trainers, and grooms. Oliver Lewis’s winning ride belongs at the center of the inaugural race’s story.

Make the story part of the gift

A keepsake becomes more personal when it arrives with context. Write a short note about the recipient’s favorite racing memory or include a link to a museum history. Keep historic facts separate from any claims about the age or provenance of a particular product.

Keep exploring

Read the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s account of Aristides and the Kentucky Historical Society’s coverage of African American jockeys. These sources offer a fuller picture than a souvenir label can.

Sources: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame ↗ · Kentucky Historical Society ↗

A keepsake for the story

Kentucky Derby 152 Keepsake Bundle | Official 152nd Run for the Roses Collector Gift Set

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