Alabama's Kentucky Derby Connections
Horse Tails
We are often surprised to find stories of local people and places that have been a part of the national scene or historical connections.
I am sure there are several Alabamians who have owned all or part of a horse who raced in the Kentucy Derby or reached notoriety in other events.
We would like you to send info about any you know about and we will feture them in "Horsing Around" to preserve a kind of Horse Historical Journal
One such owner was Dr. Preston Lewis who grew up in the Eden community of Pell City, Alabama during the early 1900's.
After attending medical school, he settled in Kentucky and raised horses including Darby Dippe who raced in the 1948 Derby and came in third.
"Uncle Preston" was my wife's great uncle and I never met him but I have the family newspapers from the race.
Displayed on your left are the papers from that week end.
He frequently visited Alabama during those days and his sister, Floy attended the race and shared stories with me of those times and the social and sports events that surrounded them.
It seems that there was a more recent Alabama connection to the Derby in maybe the 70's .
If you have info or other "Horse Tails" please send it to;
editor @ e news and sports .com
