Churchill Downs Unveils Monument Honoring Oliver Lewis

June 24, 2026

Louisville, Ky. (June 24, 2026) – Churchill Downs and the Oliver Lewis Foundation unveiled a bronze statue honoring Oliver Lewis, the jockey who rode Aristides to victory in the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875.

Donated to Churchill Downs by the Lewis family, the statue gives Lewis a visible and lasting place at the racetrack where he made history. At just 18 years old, Lewis became the first winning jockey in Kentucky Derby history, helping launch what is now one of the country’s most famous and beloved sporting traditions.

Lewis’ story is deeply connected to the generations of Black horsemen who helped build the foundation of Thoroughbred racing. In the first Kentucky Derby, 13 of the 15 jockeys were Black, and Black jockeys, trainers and horsemen played an essential role in shaping the sport’s earliest years.

“We believe history should be preserved honestly and completely, and that means celebrating our triumphs while also recognizing all those who contributed to what we have today with our success,” said Mike Anderson, Churchill Downs Racetrack President.

The effort to bring Lewis’ story back into the spotlight was led by his great-great-grandson, Rodney Van Johnson. The unveiling was a meaningful and emotional moment for Lewis’ descendants, members of the Oliver Lewis Foundation, historians, community leaders and Churchill Downs team members.

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman also spoke at the ceremony, noting that the monument helps tell a more complete history of the Derby and recognizes the profound achievements of Black men and women within the sport. Louisville Deputy Mayor Chan Kemper presented a proclamation declaring June 24, 2026, as Oliver Lewis Day.

This tribute recognizes more than one historic ride. It honors the people who preserved Lewis’ story over generations and the Black horsemen whose contributions remain central to the history of the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs is proud to celebrate and preserve this important chapter of Kentucky Derby history alongside the Oliver Lewis Foundation and the Lewis family.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated

Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. www.churchilldownsincorporated.com

About Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Media Contacts

Jeanna Burkhead Cunningham
Communications Manager

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 502-616-6844

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