DERBY WINNER · 1875

Aristides: the pace-setter who became a pioneer

He was supposed to set the pace. Instead, he started a tradition.

An unexpected leading role

Owner H. P. McGrath had another contender in the inaugural Derby: Chesapeake. Aristides was assigned to force the early pace so his stablemate could finish strongly. With Oliver Lewis riding, the little chestnut kept going and won instead.

The people who made the first chapter

Aristides was trained by Ansel Williamson. Williamson and Lewis were Black horsemen, part of the deep contribution of Black riders and trainers to nineteenth-century racing. The horse’s story should be told alongside theirs.

A different Derby distance

The race on May 17, 1875 covered a mile and a half, farther than today’s mile and a quarter. Aristides won by two lengths in 2:37¾ in front of roughly 10,000 spectators. Comparing his raw time with a modern Derby time would be misleading because the distances differ.

A name with a personal connection

McGrath named the colt for his friend Aristides Welch, who owned the stallion Leamington. This was a personal tribute, rather than a reference chosen directly for the ancient Athenian statesman with the same name.

A collecting idea

A first race, a first visit, or a family milestone can provide a theme for a collection. Choose a keepsake for the story it represents. Modern commemorative products are not evidence that an item dates from 1875.

Historical source: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame ↗. Written November 6, 2026.