Latonia Race Track facts for kids
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The Latonia Race Track was a famous place for Thoroughbred horse racing in Latonia, Kentucky, which is part of Covington, Kentucky. It was located about six miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. This exciting track first opened its doors in 1883.
The track held two main racing seasons each year. One was in the spring and summer, and another took place in the late fall. Latonia Race Track was once thought to be one of the best racing spots in the entire United States. More than 100,000 people visited it every year! Even famous horses like Black Gold, who won the Kentucky Derby in 1924, raced at Latonia. A well-known jockey named Eddie Arcaro also started his career there.
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The Famous Latonia Derby Race
The most exciting event at the track was the yearly Latonia Derby. This race was about 1½ miles long. It was first called the "Hindoo Stakes" to honor a great horse named Hindoo from Kentucky.
The Latonia Derby became so popular that in 1912, a movie was made about it! The movie was called Winning the Latonia Derby and starred a famous silent film actor, King Baggot.
Many horses that later won the Kentucky Derby also won the Latonia Derby. These included Leonatus (in 1883), Kingman (1891), Halma (1895), Ben Brush (1896), Lieut. Gibson (1900), Elwood (1904), and Sir Huon (1906). In 1918, a horse named Johren, owned by Harry Payne Whitney, won the Latonia Derby after also winning the Belmont Stakes.
Early Air Show at Latonia
In November 1909, something very different happened at Latonia: an air show! It was a small event, but it featured famous pilots like Glenn Curtiss, Charles Willard, and Roy Knabenshue.
The most exciting part of the air show was a race between Curtiss and Willard. They competed for a special cup. People hoped this event would help Cincinnati host a big international air show in 1910. However, that larger event ended up taking place in Los Angeles instead.
A Big Race in 1924
On October 11, 1924, about 60,000 racing fans came to Latonia Race Track. They wanted to see a special race called the International Special. This was the third and final time this race was held. It brought together a champion horse from France named Epinard to race against some of America's best horses.
Famous horses like Chilhowee and Belmont Stakes winner Mad Play were there. Also, future members of the U.S. Hall of Fame, Princess Doreen and Sarazen, competed. Sarazen won the race, which helped him earn the title of Horse of the Year. Epinard came in second, just like he had in the two earlier International Specials held in New York City.
The Track Closes Down
The Latonia Race Track faced tough times during the Great Depression. Because of money problems, it had to close. The very last race day was on July 29, 1939.
The property was later sold to Standard Oil of Ohio. During World War II, the track was taken apart. Today, the land where the famous Latonia Race Track once stood is now home to the Latonia Shopping Center and a radio station.
Years later, in 1959, a new racetrack opened in Florence, Kentucky, about 10 miles west of the original Latonia site. It was called the Latonia Race Course. In 1986, that track changed its name to Turfway Park.
