Know before you go | Wagner’s Pharmacy
Wagner's Pharmacy, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has a long and storied history dating back to the late 1800s. The pharmacy was founded by Louis D. Wagner, who was a prominent pharmacist and businessman in the Louisville area. Wagner's Pharmacy became a popular gathering spot for locals, and it was also frequented by horse trainers and jockeys who were in town for the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby, one of the most famous horse races in the world, is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The race has been run every year since 1875 and is known as the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has become more than just a horse race, it's a cultural event that brings together people from all walks of life.
Wagner's Pharmacy played a significant role in the Kentucky Derby's early years. The pharmacy was located just a few blocks from Churchill Downs, and it became a popular spot for horse trainers and jockeys to stop in for a soda or a sandwich. In fact, Wagner's Pharmacy was so popular among the horse racing community that it became known as the "Jockey's Headquarters."
One of the most famous stories involving Wagner's Pharmacy and the Kentucky Derby dates back to 1901. That year, a jockey named Jimmy Winkfield won his second consecutive Kentucky Derby, riding a horse named His Eminence. Winkfield was the last African American jockey to win the Kentucky Derby until Marlon St. Julien won the race in 2000. After the race, Winkfield and his trainer stopped at Wagner's Pharmacy to celebrate, and they were greeted with cheers from the crowd.
Over the years, Wagner's Pharmacy became a local landmark and a symbol of the close relationship between the horse racing community and the city of Louisville. The pharmacy remained in business until the mid-20th century, and today, the building is home to a restaurant that pays tribute to its historic past.
The pharmacy's close proximity to Churchill Downs and its friendly atmosphere made it a natural meeting place for those involved in the horse racing community. Today, Wagner's Pharmacy may no longer be in business, but its legacy lives on as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Kentucky Derby.
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