History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921

The volume offers a year‑by‑year account of the Kentucky Derby from its inaugural run in 1875 through 1921, drawing on contemporary newspaper columns and the meticulous records of the Thoroughbred Record. Readers are treated to more than just race results; each chapter paints the crowds, fashions, and local customs that turned the event into a social spectacle, from the bustling grandstand to the lively ladies’ bouquets of color.

The opening chapter recreates the atmosphere of that first May day, with vivid details of a cloudless sky, eager spectators from all walks of life, and the palpable excitement that set the tone for the sport’s growing tradition. By compiling factual data alongside colorful anecdotes, the work serves both the serious historian seeking reliable statistics and the casual fan yearning for a taste of early American racing culture.