A tribute now stands at Churchill Downs, honoring the man who rode into history in the first Kentucky Derby. More than 150 years after winning the first Kentucky Derby at 18 years old, Oliver Lewis is getting a permanent place in the story he helped create.
A Pioneering Jockey
Churchill Downs and the Oliver Lewis Foundation unveiled a bronze statue honoring the pioneering jockey who guided Aristides to victory in the inaugural Derby in 1875. The effort to bring Lewis back into the spotlight was led by his great-great-grandson, Rodney Van Johnson.
Lewis was instrumental in building the sport, and his legacy is still celebrated today. Out of the 15 jockeys in the field, 13 were African-American, laying the foundation for what we know today as one of our country’s most famous and beloved sporting traditions.
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said the monument helps tell a more complete history of the Derby. For Lewis’ descendants, the day was emotional, with his great-granddaughter, Ruth Johnson-Watts, saying seeing the statue made history feel personal.
Louisville Deputy Mayor Chan Kemper also presented a proclamation during the ceremony, declaring June 24, 2026, as Oliver Lewis Day.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
