Hello Fellow Bronxers;

Being reminded of the forthcomming "Santa Anita Derby Day" next week here in California... I had to wax for a moment in both Bronx and personal storied-memories

Years ago before and during the forming of what would be "The Bronx", we had Two sigificante Race Tracks. They were Jerome and Morris Park Race Tracks. Morris Park Race Track was supposed to have been founded by a decendant of The famous Morris Family. Today what is most of Morris Avenue and The Morris Apartment projects, is what's left of that former site. Overshadowing Morris Park was Jerome Park Race Track. Yes in deed, even the ponies "Ran For The Roses" here in those bygone days!

As we come toward the start of "The Kentucky Derby" this May, we first think of the final of the tripple crown, known as "The Belmont Stakes" was originally done at Belmont Park... Wrong!

The origin of "The Belmont Stakes" started at Jerome Park by August Belmont. Both Leonard Jerome and August Belmont were both friends and rivals in those slower turn of the century days. Jerome is credited with forming the original American Racing Association. This wall street maven prospered well in those days. Most of the lands aquired that became "The Jerome Park Racetrack" was situated on The Bathgate Estate. What is the sight of The Kingsbridge Armory, is where The Bathgate/Jerome Mansion stood. North of the mansion, the race track was later built (what is now the former Hunter College and today Herbert H. Leibman College) and The present water Shed.

Only the historic race track stories and memories remain. From Col. Meriwether Lewis "Lute" Clark Jr.'s dream of a first class Race Track and Jockey club (Churchill Downs) in Kentucky (shades of Lewis and Clark!), Commodore Perry's Daughter, Mrs. August Belmont, to Leonard Jerome's Daughter "Jenny" meeting and marriage of Lord Randolph Churchill... Does the name "Winston" ring a bell?


Thank you "Cousin Anita" and
Eat your heart out Saratoga!

Al

Thanks for that, I only wish I lived then, it was such a beautiful place, the Bronx truly was a beautiful place, my grandfather had a farm right smack in the Bronx, who would believe it would turn into the hellhole it is today..

Thanks for the story ...

GREAT ARTICLE...THANKS FOR POSTING IT