Take a Look at Kentucky Derby History Through 90-Year Old Programs

For the 151st consecutive year, Churchill Downs will host the Kentucky Derby. It’s the longest continually held sporting event in the United States. There’s such a rich history, it gives us multiple avenues to explore.

Earlier this week, I showed you a few tips to handicap races from the program. The past performances program format is a relatively new phenomenon.

Of the 150 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, my family has attended 100+. My Grandfather watched the son of Man o’ War, Clyde Van Dusen, win the Derby as a gelding in 1929. That raceday program did not survive, but a victory from another son of Man ‘o War did.

Enjoy a journey of historical artifacts of Kentucky Derby past, starting with the 1937 program, the same year War Admiral began his quest for a Triple Crown. Back then, race day programs were nothing more than a pamphlet. They remained that way through the 1980s.

Even though they were lighter on information, the details are delightful for this old soul. You’ll see ads for Kool cigarettes and Kentucky Tavern. At one point, they even attached a lucky rabbit’s foot to each program. If every program has a rabbit’s foot, does that make it lucky?

Join me on a brief stroll through time in my first unboxing video. Sorry, I don’t have as much energy as Jon Gruden.

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