As Churchill Downs prepares for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, horse racing enthusiasts will
focus on the winning steeds and the jockeys who ride them. But there is an important history, often overlooked, of Black jockeys at the Derby who had a winning track record not only there but at many popular race courses.
Also known as the "run for the roses", with the exception of two years in history, this event is held the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of horse racing, which includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes races.
