The Kentucky Derby, ran annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. The first race was ran on May 17, 1875, and the winner of that first Grade I race was a colt named Aristedes.

Aristedes won the first 1.5 mile race (it was later reduced to 1.25 mi) by two lengths with jockey Oliver Lewis, a black jockey, aboard. Aristides’ half-brother and stablemate Chesapeake also ran in the race. For the win, Aristedes and his team took home a purse of $2,850. The second-place finisher received $200.

In 2022, Rich Strike won $1,860,000 for his win in the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.