May 5, 2025
Ethel Waters, 1967
Actress and singer Ethel Waters arrived at Blue Grass Field before appearing at the Grady Wilson Crusade for Christ in May 1967. Published in the Lexington Herald on May 27, 1967. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
Longines Distaff, 1988
Personal Ensign, on the outside, with Randy Romero up, caught Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors and Gary Stevens at the wire to win the 1988 Longines Distaff at Churchill Downs, Nov. 5, 1988. Personal Ensign appeared to be hopelessly beaten at the top of the stretch but managed to run down Winning Colors and win by a head. That race is often often referred to as the most exciting finish in Breeders’ Cup history. It was the first year the Breeders’ Cup was held in Kentucky. Photo by Ron Garrison | Staff
John R. Gaines, 1982
John R. Gaines on his Gainesway Farm in Lexington on April 28, 1982, shortly after proposing a “Parade of Champions” in which the world’s best Thoroughbreds would compete in a day of racing. The first Breeders’ Cup was held at Hollywood Park (California) on Nov. 10, 1984. Lexington’s first Breeders’ Cup is Friday and Saturday at Keeneland Race Course. Photo by John C. Wyatt | Staff
Charles Bohmer driving his Ercoupe, 1947
Charles Bohmer of Bohmer Flying Service drove his Ercoupe back to Blue Grass Field on Feb. 25, 1947, after a month’s display in Kinkead-Wilson Motor Co. showrooms, 177 North Mill Street in downtown Lexington. Shorn of its wings and throttled back to 45 mph, the single-engine plane navigated city streets and Versailles Pike. The plane was escorted by city and county patrolmen to the airport. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
Old Fayette County jail, 1977
The old Fayette County Jail on East Short Street in Lexington in fall 1976, after its closing. The jail, built of cut stone from Rowan County, was completed for $40,000 in 1891 and received its first prisoners on July 21 that year. It was closed when a new jail was completed on what was then Walnut Street, and it was demolished in November 1977. GenTel bought the property and used it as an employee parking lot. Photo by David Perry | Staff
Turf Bar, 1951
Turf Bar, at 122 North Limestone, in February 1951. A witness in a divorce case in Fayette District Court revealed that one of the parties, William W. Stephens, had been employed since November 1949 in a “handbook,” an illegal bookmaking operation, over the Turf Bar. Published in the Lexington Leader on Feb. 8, 1951. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
Lucille Parker Wright, 1946
Lucille Parker Wright, wife of Warren Wright, owners of Calumet Farm in Lexington, emerged from her private plane at Blue Grass Field in November 1946. Published in the Lexington Leader November 30, 1946. Now named Blue Grass Airport, it will continue the tradition of hosting the aristocracy of horse racing this week as the Breeders’ Cup, the world championship of racing, is held at Keeneland on Friday and Saturday. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
British Jockey Harry Carr, 1951
In January 1951, British jockey Harry Carr posed for a photo on Prince Simon, being held by A.B. Hancock Jr. at Claiborne Stud in Paris. At that time Carr was the jockey of King George of Britain, having been appointed in 1946. He retired from racing in 1964, having ridden 1,363 winners. Prince Simon was sired at Arthur B. Hancock Sr.’s Ellerslie Stud in Virginia, then was moved to Claiborne Stud. Prince Simon was an English champion as a 3-year-old. Published in the Lexington Herald on Jan. 13, 1951. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
Kentucky over Mississippi State, 1998
Kentucky coach Hal Mumme, left, and Jermaine White 28 led the team’s celebration after defeating Mississippi State 37-35 at Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 7, 1998. In Mumme’s second season, the Wildcats went 7-5 and lost to Penn State in the Outback Bowl. Photo by David Perry | Staff
Danville wins Region 3A, 1986
Danville High School’s Jimmy Baughman stood on the sideline after scoring a touchdown in the first half of the Region 3 playoffs against Ft. Thomas Highlands on Nov. 14, 1986. Danville blew a 14-0 lead, then came back to knock off previously undefeated Highlands 35-34 in double overtime before a near-capacity crowd in Admiral Stadium in Danville. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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