pioneered the stakes system, creating the Great American Stallion Stakes, on which the present-day Breeders' Cup is modeled. He also spoke out against betting by officials and reporters. Clark lost heavily in the stock market crash of 1893 and began traveling from city to city working as a steward. Fearing a life of poverty, he committed suicide with a pistol on April 22, 1899. He is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery next to his uncle, John Churchill. References External links For a more detailed biography, see Call to the Derby Post: A History of Churchill Downs. 1899 deaths 1846 births American people of Scottish descent American people of English descent People in horse racing Businesspeople from Louisville, Kentucky Burials at Cave Hill Cemetery Horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky Horse racing in Kentucky 19th-century American businesspeople