Historical and memorable Kentucky Derby races from 1875 and on

Eric Reed and Rick Dawson discuss the events leading up to their big win on 'Fox and Friends.'

The Kentucky Derby has welcomed thousands to Louisville, Kentucky, since the first race in 1875. The derby is widely watched by people at home, too, since its first nationally televised race in 1952.

The race, which was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., has become the longest-running sporting event in United States history. Today, millions get involved in the race, whether it's through visiting Churchill Downs, derby-themed watch parties or betting.

There have been numerous memorable moments in the Kentucky Derby. Here are just a few.

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The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs every year in Louisville, Ky.  (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The first Kentucky Derby was won by Aristides and his jockey Oliver Lewis in 1875. 

The first race hosted around 10,000 fans at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where they experienced the historic derby, according to the Kentucky Derby website.

Aristides won with a time of a little over 2 minutes and 30 seconds, according to the site. At the time of the win, Lewis was just 19 years old. It was the only derby he competed in.

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The year 1875 marked the first Kentucky Derby.  (Caufield & Shook/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

The winning prize for the first race was $2,850, according to the source. 

During the earlier stages of the derby, the race was 1.5 miles long. In 1896, this was lowered to 1.25 miles, the distance still used today.

It wasn’t until 1915 when a filly, a female horse, became the first to cross the Kentucky Derby finish line, according to the Kentucky