There are few sporting events on the calendar that evoke the same emotion as the Kentucky Derby.
As one of America’s most famous pastimes, the history of the event always resonates with fans of horse racing of all ages, with each generation having their favorite winner of the race as you can see here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/results/
Legendary equines throughout history have showcased their talent to the world at Churchill Downs, including iconic Triple Crown winners such as Secretariat and American Pharoah. But, how has the media reporting the event changed throughout history?
First Coverage of Derby Day
Media reporting has changed drastically since the 1800s, but the Kentucky Derby’s place as one of the most iconic events on the calendar has remained.
The very first Derby was covered by The Courier-Journal, with Gen. Basil W. Duke writing his report in the paper. However, the inaugural running of the race didn’t make front page news, with the report instead focusing on the pedigrees of the runners involved, and the potential importance of the race in years to come.
Aristides was the first winner of the race, with jockey Oliver Lewis leading the victor to a two-length win over Volcano.
Expansion of Race Day Coverage
While the Kentucky Derby would continue to make headlines throughout its early history, the coverage of the event would become more extensive.
As well as a race report, telling the stories of the race winner and those involved, there was also greater coverage of the day at the track.
That would include the fashions on display, and the excitement around the betting ring before the big race on the U.S. schedule. It was also during this time that there would be pre-race coverage in the paper, with expert handicappers giving out their tips for the big race.
Run For The Roses
Newspaper headlines have played a significant role in the terms used in the modern day, with ‘Run For The Roses’ used for the first time in the coverage following the 1925 Kentucky Derby.
It was during this period that the Derby gained its reputation as a major international sporting event, with Run For The Roses catching on and becoming a key marketing tool for Churchill Downs in following editions.
Flying Ebony’s win in the 1925 Derby gained the attention of the nation, with luck being on the William Duke-trained runner after a heavy downpour of rain before the off suited her chances. It was also a historic edition of the race, as it was the first time that the Derby was broadcast on national radio.
Birth of the Triple Crown
The term ‘Triple Crown’ is synonymous with the Derby in the modern day, with fans of the sport dreaming of the next horse to complete the hat-trick of winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
However, the term wasn’t officially born until 1930, when it was used for the first time following Gallant Fox’s win in the Belmont Stakes.
The term was used in its current meaning for the first time in the New York Times, referring to the winner as the second horse to win the Triple Crown. However, the title was previously printed in the New York Times and Daily Racing Form throughout the 1920s, largely referring to the 1919 success of Sir Barton.
Big Red
Potentially the most famous winner of the Kentucky Derby came in 1973, with international newspapers having ‘Big Red’ plastered on the front page. Secretariat’s win in the 1973 Derby remains one of the most iconic in U.S. racing history, with the legendary horse winning at Churchill Downs in a record time.
The Lucien Laurin-trained horse had a special connection to a mainstream audience, with his eye-catching performances on the track seeing him become the standout horse in the nation throughout his career.
Big Red was later honored in the 2010 film Secretariat, allowing a whole new wave of fans to get a taste of what life would have been like throughout his dominant period on track.
Shock Winners
Nothing gains headlines like a shock win on the track, with Donerail’s 1913 success bringing new eyes to the sport. However, the best coverage of a shock victor came back in 2022, with papers printing headlines such as ‘This Is Unbelievable’.
Rich Strike’s win at odds of 80/1 was the second-biggest upset in Derby history, and his story at Churchill Downs was made even more remarkable given that he wasn’t added to the also-eligible list for the Derby until the morning of the race. Sonny Leon and Eric Reed both basked in the shock glory, with the outsider finishing just under a length clear of red-hot favorite Epicenter.
Unfortunately, he was never able to build on that promise, finishing sixth in the Belmont Stakes and fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
