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Clark Jr. started the Kentucky Derby on behalf of a group of businessmen in Louisville who wanted to bring the horse industry back to Kentucky. During the Civil War many of the horses in Kentucky were used for battle, and after the war they rarely made it back to their farms. To really bring the breeding and racing industry back to the state we needed something that would attract the best of the best. The Derby became a large social event so that it wouldn't be compared to the other races that existed at the time and weren't succeeding in attracting the horsemen. It worked and the Derby is currently the longest continuously running sporting event in the country.

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Q: Why did Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr create the Kentucky Derby?
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Related questions

Who was the explorer that thought of the Kentucky Derby?

Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark


Did Lewis and Clark make the Kentucky Derby?

It was Clark who started the Kentucky Derby.


Who was the person name who made the Kentucky Derby?

no one "owns" the Kentucky Derby. its a race held every year for the best 20 three year old thoroughbreds in the nation. no one "owns" the Kentucky Derby. its a race held every year for the best 20 three year old thoroughbreds in the nation.


Why was Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition interested in organizing the subsequent Kentucky Derby?

That he had the resources, that he knew what he was doing, and that he saw the potential for thoroughbred horse racing in the area may have been the reasons that led Colonel Meriwether Lewis Jr [January 27, 1846 - April 22, 1899] to set the groundwork for the subsequent Kentucky Derby. Clark was the grandson of William Clark [August 1, 1770 - September 1, 1838] of the [Meriwether] Lewis and Clark Expedition into the territory of the Louisiana Purchase.So the Colonel had the necessary connections and the resources. For example, he obtained the land for the subsequent Churchill Downs racetrack from his relatives, John and Henry Churchill.Additionally, Clark knew exactly what he was doing. Through his mother, Abigail Prather Churchill, he was descended from one of Kentucky's 'first families'. His ancestors had been in the subsequent Louisville area since 1787. Clark became knowledgeable in the area's wildlife and in horse riding. Additionally, he was acquainted with running of the world-famous Epsom Derby of England and Grand Prix de Paris of France's Jockey Club.Therefore, Clark knew what his beloved homeland was capable of. Specifically, he drew on the wide reputation of the Kentucky Bluegrass region as the source of superior racehorses from the time of the earliest European settlements.


When was Kentucky Derby created?

Kentucky Derby was created in 1875.


Does breeds mater in the Kentucky Derby?

Thoroughbreds compete in the Kentucky Derby.


When was Kentucky Derby opened?

The first Kentucky Derby race was run in 1875.


When was Kentucky Derby Museum created?

Kentucky Derby Museum was created in 1984.


What month Kentucky derby?

The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday of May.


Who will win 2013 Kentucky Derby?

Orb won the 2013 Kentucky Derby.


What animal competes in the Kentucky Derby?

Thoroughbred horses compete in the Kentucky Derby.


What US state holds the famous Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is held annually in the state of Kentucky.