Oliver Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oliver Lewis |
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Oliver Lewis, winning jockey of the first Kentucky Derby
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| 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) |
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| Honours | |
| Oliver Lewis Way, Lexington, Kentucky | |
| Significant horses | |
| Aristides | |
Oliver Lewis (1856–1924) was an American jockey. He rode Thoroughbred horses in races. On May 17, 1875, Lewis made history. He won the very first Kentucky Derby. He was riding a horse named Aristides.
The pair won the race by two lengths. This means they finished two horse-lengths ahead of the second-place horse. They also set a new American record for a mile-and-a-half race. Lewis and Aristides later took second place in the Belmont Stakes. This race is now the third part of the U.S. Triple Crown series. Oliver Lewis is also the great-great-grandfather of actor Rodney Van Johnson.
Contents
Who Was Oliver Lewis?
Oliver Lewis was a famous jockey. He was known for his skill in horse racing. Jockeys are riders who guide racehorses. They need to be very light and have excellent balance.
Early Life and Background
Oliver Lewis was born in 1856. His birthplace was Fayette County, Kentucky. This area is well-known for its horse farms. Many famous racehorses come from Kentucky.
Winning the First Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races. It happens every year in Kentucky. Oliver Lewis won the very first one. This was a huge event in horse racing history. He rode a horse named Aristides to victory. Their win showed how talented both Lewis and Aristides were.
A Racing Career
After his big win, Lewis continued to race. He and Aristides also competed in the Belmont Stakes. This is another major horse race. They finished second in that race. This showed they were a strong team. The Belmont Stakes is now part of the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a series of three important races.
His Legacy
Oliver Lewis passed away in 1924. He was buried in African Cemetery No. 2. This cemetery is in Lexington, Kentucky. His achievements are still remembered today.
In 2010, a special honor was given to him. A road in Lexington, Kentucky, was named after him. It is called Oliver Lewis Way. This was done to celebrate his historic win. It also honors his important place in horse racing history.
