The first network radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby aired from WHAS in Louisville. ~1925
Gary Stevens rode his first career winner, named Lil Star, trained by his father, Ron Stevens, at Les Bois Park. ~
1979
Buchanan became the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby. Only two other maiden horses have gone on to win the Run for the Roses:
Sir Barton in 1919, and
Brokers Tip in 1933. ~
1884
Rachel Alexandra became just the fifth filly to win the Preakness Stakes, and the first since
Nellie Morse in 1924. Rachel Alexandra held off the late rush of Kentucky Derby victor
Mine That Bird to secure the win. ~
2009
Bob Baffert became the first person to train Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winners in successive years. In 1997, Baffert won the Derby and Preakness with
Silver Charm; the following year, he won with
Real Quiet. ~
1998
During Preakness Stakes Day at Pimlico Racecourse, a transformer went down at 1:00 p.m., causing a power failure in the grandstand. With temperatures in the 90s, the facility had no operating air-conditioning, lights, closed-circuit television, public address system, elevators, escalators or betting windows. A record crowd of 91,122 was on hand and an estimated $1.5 million in on-track handle was lost. ~1998