During Derby Week at Churchill Downs, 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. Beshear, along with officials from the Ed Brown Society and Churchill Downs, recognized the contributions of Williamson and other Black horsemen to the sport of horse racing.
Following the honor of Ansel Williamson, Governor Beshear joined the Louisville Sports Commission to announce the 2024 Class of the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. The inductees for the class included Teddy Bridgewater, Oscar Combs, Tony Delk, and Roy Pickerill. These events took place during Derby Week at Churchill Downs, celebrating the history and achievements of individuals who have left a lasting impact on the world of sports in Kentucky.
