Governor Andy Beshear paid tribute to Ansel Williamson, a formerly enslaved Black horse trainer who trained Aristides, the winner of the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. The ceremony took place at Churchill Downs on Champions Day during Derby Week. 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. This tribute served as a reminder of the important role that Black horsemen have played 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 this 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, these events at Churchill Downs on Champions Day showcased the rich history and diversity of the sports community in Kentucky. By recognizing Ansel Williamson and announcing the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Governor Beshear highlighted
