History of the Kentucky Oaks

Kentucky Oaks is a stakes race (Grade I) organized for thoroughbred fillies, young female horses usually about 3 years old. The event was designed based on the English Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The event was originally organized as one of four horse races initiated by the Lewis Clark, founder of the Churchill Downs then called Louisville Jockey club. The first edition was held at Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The race currently covers a distance of 11/8 miles. The first race took place on a Wednesday in May, 1875. The three other races designed were the Clark Handicap, Kentucky Derby, and the Falls City Handicap.

Over time, some of the greatest fillies have performed on the race brilliantly. During the first edition of the Kentucky Oaks, the distance covered was about 11/2 miles, approximately 2414 meters. Vinaigrette a Thoroughbred, owned by A B. Lewis & Company won with a timing of 2:39 ¾ and received cash prize of $1,175. This victory initiated the tradition of the Kentucky Oaks and has been repeated every year since inception.

The Kentucky Oaks is governed by an association known as the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA); the body is planning to create a Triple Tiara series comprising the Kentucky Oaks, Black-Eyed Susan and Acorn. The Kentucky Oaks has been run at different distance length since its inception in 1875. The number of visitors that the Oaks have continued to attract has been on the increase. As of present the attendance of people in Louisville and visitors from outside is second only to the attendance of the derby.