On Champions Day during Derby Week, Governor Andy Beshear and Churchill Downs officials honored Ansel Williamson, a formerly enslaved Black horse trainer who trained Aristides, the winner of the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. The ceremony recognized Williamson’s contributions to the sport of horse racing and the legacy of Black horsemen in the industry.
The Ed Brown Society also participated in the event, highlighting the lives of Williamson and other Black horsemen who made significant contributions to horse racing. The ceremony served as a tribute to their important role in the history of the sport.
Following the tribute to Ansel Williamson, Governor Beshear joined the Louisville Sports Commission to announce the 2024 Class of the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. The members of the class included Teddy Bridgewater, Oscar Combs, Tony Delk, and Roy Pickerill. This announcement celebrated the achievements and contributions of these individuals to sports in the state of Kentucky.
Overall, the events at Churchill Downs on Champions Day showcased the rich history and diversity of the sports community in Kentucky. The recognition of Ansel Williamson and the announcement of the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 highlighted
