1880 Kentucky Derby

The 1880 Kentucky Derby was the 6th running of the annually-recurring race. The race took place on May 18, 1880. A dry spell stretching from late April to race day left the track with thick dust that obscured the horses from view for part of the race. That dust is credited with helping Fonso win the race. His early lead kept him in front of it as it partially obscured the vision of the horses behind him. Though he won, he was not really considered an exceptional horse. He had been bought for $200. Remarkably, his owner sold him for about $2500 after the summer races in Lexington.
This race was the first in which a jockey at the Derby officially registered a complaint with the stewards. Billy Lakeland claimed a foul against Fonso. However, his complaint was not supported.
Fonso's jockey was Garret Lewis, a Black rider who was part of the group Blacks who dominated the sport in the South and border states after the Civil War.

Payout

The winner received a purse of $3,800.
Second place received $200.