Rachel Alexandra, Bob Baffert, Gary Stevens - May 16th

The first network radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby aired from WHAS in Louisville. ~1925

 

Gary Stevens rode his first career winner, named Lil Star, trained by his father, Ron Stevens, at Les Bois Park. ~1979

 

Buchanan became the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby. Only two other maiden horses have gone on to win the Run for the Roses: Sir Barton in 1919, and Brokers Tip in 1933. ~1884

 

Rachel Alexandra became just the fifth filly to win the Preakness Stakes, and the first since Nellie Morse in 1924. Rachel Alexandra held off the late rush of Kentucky Derby victor Mine That Bird to secure the win. ~2009

 

Bob Baffert became the first person to train Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winners in successive years. In 1997, Baffert won the Derby and Preakness with Silver Charm; the following year, he won with Real Quiet. ~1998

 

During Preakness Stakes Day at Pimlico Racecourse, a transformer went down at 1:00 p.m., causing a power failure in the grandstand. With temperatures in the 90s, the facility had no operating air-conditioning, lights, closed-circuit television, public address system, elevators, escalators or betting windows. A record crowd of 91,122 was on hand and an estimated $1.5 million in on-track handle was lost. ~1998