The Kentucky Derby has a complex history involving Black jockeys and trainers who played integral roles in the early days of the race. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black jockeys dominated the sport of horse racing, with 13 of the 15 jockeys in the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875 being Black.

One of the most famous Black jockeys of the time was Isaac Murphy, who became the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbys in 1884, 1890, and 1891. He was known for his exceptional skill and was one of the highest-paid athletes of his time.

However, as segregation and racism intensified in the United States, Black jockeys were gradually pushed out of the sport. By the mid-20th century, they had virtually disappeared from horse racing, and it wasn't until 2000 that Marlon St. Julien became the first Black jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby in over 70 years.

In recent years, efforts have been made to highlight the contributions of Black jockeys to the history of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing in general. Organizations like the National Museum of African American History and Culture have worked to preserve and share this important history.