Latonia Race Track facts for kids
The Latonia Race Track was a famous place for Thoroughbred horse racing in Latonia, a part of Covington, Kentucky. It opened in 1883 and was located about six miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
This track was once considered one of the best horse racing spots in the United States. It attracted over 100,000 visitors every year! Famous horses and jockeys raced here. For example, Black Gold, who won the 1924 Kentucky Derby, raced at Latonia. Also, the legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro began his amazing career at this very track.
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The Famous Latonia Derby Race
One of the most exciting events at Latonia Race Track was the annual Latonia Derby. This race was about 1½ miles long. It was first called the "Hindoo Stakes," named after a great horse from Kentucky called Hindoo.
The Latonia Derby became so popular that in 1912, a motion picture was made about it! The movie was called Winning the Latonia Derby and featured silent film star King Baggot.
Many horses who 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, Johren, a horse owned by Harry Payne Whitney who had won the Belmont Stakes, also won the Latonia Derby.
Early Air Show at the Track
In November 1909, something very different happened at Latonia: an airmeet! This was a small event, but it featured famous aviators like Glenn Curtiss, Charles Willard, and Roy Knabenshue.
The most exciting part was a race between Curtiss and Willard. They competed for a special cup. This airmeet was hoped to help Cincinnati host a big international aviation event in 1910. However, that larger event ended up taking place in Los Angeles instead.
A Big Race Day in 1924
On October 11, 1924, a huge crowd of 60,000 racing fans came to Latonia Race Track. They were there to see the third and final "International Special" race. This race brought together the famous French champion horse, Epinard, against some of America's best horses.
Top American horses like Chilhowee, Belmont Stakes winner Mad Play, and future Hall of Famers Princess Doreen and Sarazen competed. Sarazen won the race, which helped him earn the "Horse of the Year" award. Epinard finished second, just as he had in the previous two International Special races held in New York City.
Important Races Held at Latonia
Latonia Race Track was home to many important Thoroughbred stakes races. Some of these included:
- Clipsetta Stakes (held from 1883 to 1937)
- Harold Stakes
- Latonia Autumn Inaugural Handicap
- Latonia Championship Stakes
- Latonia Cup Handicap
- Latonia Derby
- Latonia Independence Handicap
- Latonia Oaks
The Track Closes Its Doors
During the tough times of the Great Depression, Latonia Race Track faced financial problems. It had to close down, with its last race held on July 29, 1939. The land was later sold to Standard Oil of Ohio and taken apart during World War II. Today, a shopping center and a radio station stand where the famous track once was.
Years later, in 1959, a new horse racing track opened in Florence, Kentucky, about 10 miles west of the original Latonia site. This new track was first called Latonia Race Course. In 1986, it changed its name to Turfway Park.
