Today’s Forecast

47º | Mostly cloudy | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise 8:00 a.m. | Sunset 5:39 p.m.

This jockey won three Kentucky Derbys

The first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbys

Isaac Murphy, dressed to ride at one of the New York tracks. | Photo courtesy of Keeneland Library Hemment Collection

We all know the names of the remarkable horses who have graced the Churchill Downs track. (Who could forget Rich Strike‘s epic win at last year’s Derby?) But we rarely discuss the jockeys — the people who steer those thoroughbreds toward the finish line. Today, we’re talking about American Hall of Fame jockey Isaac Burns Murphy.

Isaac was born enslaved in Clark County in 1861 and is considered to be one of the greatest American jockeys of all time. He began working with horses in his teens, and started racing in 1875. He went on to win the Kentucky Derby three times, the Latonia Derby five times, and four of the first five runnings of the American Derby.

Isaac became well known for his horseback skills, as well as his honesty + loyalty. He is said to have refused to let American thoroughbred champion Falsetto lose the 1879 Kenner Stakes, even after gamblers enticed him with bribes.

Jockeys at Sheepshead Bay in 1891 — In this 1891 photo of jockeys at Sheepshead Bay, Isaac Murphy is in the second row on the left.
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Photo courtesy of Keeneland Library Hemment Collection

He died of pneumonia at the age of 35, and his grave was left untouched in an abandoned Lexington cemetery for years. In 1967, his remains were exhumed and reburied at the former Man o’ War racehorse burial site. Eleven years later, they were moved again — with Man o’ War’s remains — to the Kentucky Horse Park, where they still lie. To this day, Isaac is the only person buried at the park.

To learn more about this Derby-winning Kentucky native, check out “Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey” by Katherine C. Mooney.

Events

Monday, May 1

Plant Swap | Monday, May 1 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 642 Baxter Ave., Louisville | Free | Swap succulents and clippings, share tips and tricks, trade tools and planters + spill the plant deals spotted around town.

Tuesday, May 2

Kentucky Derby Handicapping Dinner | Tuesday, May 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Bourbons Bistro, 2255 Frankfort Ave., Louisville | $55 | Get help picking out the Oaks and Derby winners at this three-course dinner.

Wednesday, May 3

Great Steamboat Race | Wednesday, May 3 | 6 p.m. | 401 W. River Rd., Louisville | $165 | Board The Belle of Louisville as she races other vessels on the Ohio River in this competition that’s been around since 1963.

Thursday, May 4

‘First Turn’ Cocktail Celebration | Thursday, May. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | The James B. Beam Distilling Co., 526 Happy Hollow Rd., Clermont | $100| Join master distillers Freddie and Fred Noe for live music + cocktails and light bites from The Kitchen Table Restaurant.

Friday, May 5

LOUtoday After Oaks Meet + Greet | Friday, May 5 | 7-9 p.m. | The Local Seltzery, 828 E. Main St., Louisville | Free | Meet Katie, Lennie, and Mandey + enjoy 50% off seltzers and cocktail complimentary charcuterie from Cultured and other snacks.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Opening

Wawa is bringing its made-to-order hoagies to town via its first LOU location at 7601 Vaughn Mill Rd. off of Outer Loop. The Pennsylvania-based convenience store’s new spot will include a 5,915-sqft retail space + eight gas pumps. (Louisville Business First)

Civic

Mayor Greenberg unveiled his $1.1 billion budget plan, which covers the 2023-2024 fiscal year. It includes a $230,000 investment to turn the existing Group Violence Intervention program into its own department, in an effort to reduce violent crime across the city. (Louisville Public Media)

Try This

Your VIP pass awaits. The Louisville Zoo is offering Backstage Pass Experiences to give guests behind-the-scenes access to rhinos, penguins, seals, and sea lions — kind of like when City Editor Lennie got up close and personal with the two-toed sloth Sunni. Experiences are 45 minutes long and start at $90.

Feel Good

Fifth Third Bank is surprising parents of newborns at select local hospitals this Wednesday, May 3. They will receive $1,053 for a 529 college savings account + care packages with a DoorDash gift card and baby gifts like a onesie, Derby horse stuffed animal, milestone blanket, and diapers.

Number

14 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville

Biz

Local beverage company makes major moves

Growing Louisville beverage company makes big moves

Congo LLC was founded in 2014 and currently includes three beverage brands, one of which is Alani Nu. | Photo by LOUtoday

Congo LLC is undergoing an $8.25 million relocation and expansion. The beverage firm works with brands like Prime Hydration; 3D Energy Drink; and Alani Nu, the Louisville-based supplement company known for its zero-sugar energy drinks.

The company’s Louisville headquarters will move from its 18,000-sqft facility at 7201 Intermodal Dr. to an existing 110,000-sqft space at 13551 Triton Park Blvd. in the East End.

A 10-year incentive agreement between Congo LLC and the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority’s Kentucky Business Investment program is slated to provide up to $7.5 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $8.25 million, as well as:

The creation and maintenance of 500 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs over 10 years
An average hourly wage of $49.80 across those jobs

Find Alani Nu, 3D Energy Drink, or Prime Hydration near you.

Answered

Last week we mentioned there are about 2.2 billion mothers all over the world, and asked: How many live in the US?

We received 143 guesses, 56 of which were correct: There are 85 million mothers in the US.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Lennie

From the editor

May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii. Though it feels like it has been forever since I was home for this special occasion, I think about it every year without fail. If you’re interested in learning about Hawaiian culture, check out ʻIke Roa Studio in Watterson Park.

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