THE FIRST RUNNING OF THE TRIPLE CROWN – COMPLETE SET OF THREE RARE NEWSPAPERS

 

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FIRST RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY (1875)
FIRST RUNNING OF THE PREAKNESS (1873)
FIRST RUNNING OF THE BELMONT STAKES (1867)

This unique set of original and complete newspapers report the inaugural runnings of the Triple Crown–the three iconic thoroughbred racing events. In my thirty-seven years in original historic newspapers, I have never before seen a complete set, and simply cannot put another together at any price! This truly is a unique opportunity for owners, stables, enthusiasts, and anyone else with interest in one of the greatest sporting events in American history.

ky-derby-ny-herald-1875-400-kb.jpgTHE KENTUCKY DERBY – INAUGURATION OF THE LOUISVILLE JOCKEY CLUB 

The New York Herald
May 18, 1875 

The exciting report reads, in part: “The great event of the day was the Kentucky Derby, which was won by Aristides, making the fastest time on record by a three-year-old.” The value of the Stakes in the first Derby to the winning horse was a grand total of $2,850!

The Kentucky Derby is arguably the most recognizable horse race in the world, attracting the the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds, as well as millions of spectators. It is frequently referred to as the “Run for the Roses,” in that a huge blanket containing 554 red roses is draped over the winner.  First run in 1875, the year the Louisville Jockey Club (later known as Churchill Downs) was opened by Colonel M. Lewis Clark, the winning entry was a chestnut colt named Aristides, ridden by African American jockey, Oliver Lewis. A statue of Aristides now stands in the garden behind the clubhouse. (Click on above image to view the full First Kentucky Derby report).

preakness-1873-nyt-report-275-kb.jpgTHE FIRST PREAKNESS

The New York Times
May 28, 1873

The Preakness, second jewel in the Triple Crown, has a longer history than even the Kentucky Derby. First run on May 26, 1873, it was named for the horse that won the Dinner Party Stakes in 1870. There were but seven horses running that day at Pimlico in Northwest Baltimore, Maryland, a racetrack considered far more important than Churchill Downs at the time. The winner of the inaugural race was a colt called “Survivor” who won by a huge ten lengths over the other contestants, a record that remains the longest winning distance in Preakness history. (Click on above image for complete details of the first Preakness).

belmont-stakes-1867-ny-herald-500.jpgTHE VERY FIRST RUNNING OF THE BELMONT STAKES

The New York Times
June 20, 1867

The Belmont Stakes is the oldest Triple Crown event, predating both the Preakness and Kentucky Derby. The first running took place on Thursday, June 19, 1867, at Jerome Park in the Bronx, New York.  The new race was financed by August Belmont, Sr., for whom the race was named. The grueling 1 5/8 mile run (1 1/2 miles today) was known as the “Test of the Champion” for its long distance.  The surprise winner was a filly named “Ruthless,” who defeated a field of stronger male horses thus becoming the first filly to win a major race like this one. She just edged out “DeCourcey” by a head in an exciting race in which the lead changed hands numerous times according to the in-depth newspaper report in The New York Times. (Click twice on above image to read the full exciting report–it’s like being back in time at the race!)

This truly one-of-a-kind trio of complete and original newspapers reporting the inaugural races of each Triple Crown leg is a major coup for thoroughbred owners, stables, and racing fans alike. This is likely the only set we will ever be able to offer.

Price: $24,500 for all three original issues (includes lifetime letters of authenticity signed by historian and appraiser, Mark E. Mitchell)

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Late 19th Century, Sports History