The following was sent out to national and regional media by Churchill Downs on the eve of the Kentucky Oaks/Kentucky Derby weekend.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– The Kentucky Derby has actually been run every year for the past 145 years. It is a great American custom that has actually survived depressions, wars, pandemics and myriad modifications in our nation, little and big.
The first Derby was run simply 10 years after the end of the Civil War and completion of slavery in America. Over ninety years later on, throughout the 1967 Derby, protestors required to the streets around Churchill Downs, demanding equality and change.
The tradition of the Kentucky Derby begins with the unbelievable success of Black jockeys. Churchill Downs strongly thinks in maintaining and sharing the stories of the Black jockeys who are a vital part of this tradition. Our goal has actually constantly been that the Kentucky Derby and the way it is observed throughout the city needs to be inclusive of the whole Louisville neighborhood. The environment of the Kentucky Derby will be different this year as we respond to those calls for change. This will be a Derby unlike any other.
We know there are some who disagree with our decision to run the Kentucky Derby this year. We appreciate that perspective however made our decision in the belief that customs can advise us of what binds us together as Americans, even as we look for to acknowledge and repair the awful discomfort that rends us apart.
Our sport shares a befuddling history that resulted in the exemption of Black jockey involvement through the years. The legacy of the Kentucky Derby begins with the unbelievable success of Black jockeys. We feel it is necessary to acknowledge the painful truths that led to their exemption. Churchill Downs highly believes in protecting and sharing the stories of the Black jockeys who are a crucial part of this tradition. This is not a new commitment, however we continue to look for ways to share these stories and honor these professional athletes.
Our objective has actually always been that the Kentucky Derby and the method it is observed throughout the city needs to be inclusive of the entire Louisville community. Churchill Downs is dedicated to engaging in the difficult conversations in our city, our sport and within our own company. We are devoted to taking real, concrete action to deal with institutional obstructions to progress and playing our part in advancing the modifications America so frantically requires.
The environment of the Kentucky Derby will be different this year as we react to those calls for change. This will be a Derby unlike any other.
Copyright 2020 Churchill Downs Inc
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Today, more than fifty years after that, our fellow Kentuckians and fellow Americans are still asking to be heard; for everyone to understand the ongoing inequality that exists, and finally to adopt significant change.
We are not doing enough, rapidly enough. That is real in our nation, in our city and in our sport.
