Aristides

Aristides (1872-1893) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. In 1875 the Derby was raced at a mile and a half, the distance it would remain until 1896 when it was changed to its present mile and a quarter. There were no roses for Aristides; roses weren't introduced until Hall of Famer Ben Brush won in 1896. A chestnut thoroughbred with a white star and two hind stockings, Aristides was bred by Hal Price M... more

Aristides (1872-1893) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. In 1875 the Derby was raced at a mile and a half, the distance it would remain until 1896 when it was changed to its present mile and a quarter. There were no roses for Aristides; roses weren't introduced until Hall of Famer Ben Brush won in 1896. A chestnut thoroughbred with a white star and two hind stockings, Aristides was bred by Hal Price McGrath and born in 1872. He was sired by the great English stud Leamington, which made him a half brother to another great sire, Hall of Famer Longfellow, who, during his racing career, was called "King of the Turf." And yet, Hal McGrath did not consider Aristides first rate, even though his dam (Sarong) was out of one of the United States' greatest sires Lexington, whose bloodline went back to Glencoe and Hall of Famer Boston. Aristides (named for his breeder's good friend and fellow horse breeder, the Pennsylvanian Aristides Welch who owned... less