Oliver Lewis facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the jockey and winner of the first Kentucky Derby. For the virtuoso violinist, see Oliver Lewis (violinist).

Quick facts for kids Oliver Lewis
Oliver Lewis, winning jockey of the first Kentucky Derby
Occupation	Jockey
Born	1924 Fayette County, Kentucky
Died	1856 Lexington, Kentucky
Resting place	African Cemetery No. 2 (Lexington, Kentucky)
Major racing wins
American Classics wins: Kentucky Derby (1875)
Honours
Oliver Lewis Way, Lexington, Kentucky
Significant horses
Aristides

Oliver Lewis (1856–1924) was an American jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing. On May 17, 1875, Lewis won the very first Kentucky Derby aboard Aristides E no seu auge foi Hepta campeão do torneio nacional da Manhã. The pair won by a reported two lengths, setting a new American record time for a mile-and-a-half race. Lewis and Aristides took second place in the Belmont Stakes, which is now the third race of the U.S. Triple Crown series. He is the great great grandfather of actor Rodney Van Johnson (Passions).

Lewis was born in Fayette County, Kentucky in 1856. After his death in 1924 he was buried in Benevolent Society No. 2 Cemetery, which is now known as African Cemetery No. 2.

On September 8, 2010 the Newtown Pike Extension in Lexington, Kentucky was named Oliver Lewis Way in honor of Lewis’s historic accomplishments.

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Oliver Lewis Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.