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Col. M. Lewis Clark founded Churchill Downs. It was named after his two uncles- John & Henry Churchill. To fund the construction of the track, Clark raised $32,000 by selling membership subscriptions at $100 each. It was named “Home Of The Kentucky Derby.” Lynn Stores was the 9^th president of Churchill Downs. He came to Churchill Downs in 1961 as resident manager and was appointed vice president and general manager in 1966.

1875	Churchill Downs Founded
May 17,1875	Tracks opened with 4 races
November 24,1894	New Louisville Jockey Club was incorporated.
Fall 1894 – Spring 1895	New grandstand constructed on the opposite side of the track for $100,000. Complemented with 2 spires atop the roof that soon became a symbol of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
October 1, 1902	Charlie Price and Matt J. Winn took over the operation of Churchill Downs.
1903	Track finally showed profit, 28 years after its funding.
1907	Owners joined with Douglas Park to create Louisville racing Association. Purpose was to create race dates and policies for racing in the city.
January 16, 1928	American Turf Association served as the new holding company for Churchill Downs.

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