Historical Marker

Aristides

Historical marker location:
Lexington, Kentucky
( Coldstream Research Park by the Legacy Trail, Lexington)

In May 1875, an estimated 10,000 racing fans watched the first running of the Kentucky Derby. Among the field of fifteen thoroughbreds, Aristides, the “little red horse,” won the mile-and-one-half race. Oliver Lewis, a nineteen-year-old African American jockey, rode Aristides to his unexpected victory. Class of 2011

(Reverse) Aristides was born on Hal Price McGrath’s farm, McGrathiana. The colt was trained by Ansel Williamson, who was inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 1998. After several changes in ownership, McGrathiana is now part of the University of Kentucky’s Coldstream Research Campus. Class of 2011.