America 's first Derby horse race will take place on Saturday . In an era when African-Americans were still barred from participating in most mainstream sports ( it would be more than 60 years before Jackie Robinson made his ground-breaking debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers ) , African-American jockeys went on to dominate the early years of the Derby , winning 15 of the first 28 races . Known as the ` ` Battle of the Roses '' after the variety of flowers all over it . It dates back to 1875 , where African - American jockey and trainer won the first race . Despite its international standing , the race keeps its unique local flavor .
America 's first Derby horse race will take place on Saturday . Known as the ` ` Battle of the Roses '' after the variety of flowers all over it . It dates back to 1875 , where African - American jockey and trainer won the first race . Despite its international standing , the race keeps its unique local flavor .