1984

World History

Nation's first compulsory auto seatbelt law enacted.

U.S. acid rain scares Canada.

Reagan reelected by landslide.

Churchill Downs History

Warner L. Jones, Jr. is named Chairman of the Board and appoints Tom Meeker as president. Under this leadership the Downs develops an aggressive marketing strategy headed by a five-year renovation program.

First widespread simulcast of Kentucky Derby is a success, setting a North American record for wagering on a single race - $18,941,933 handled at Churchill and 24 other tracks.

Pat Day breaks a 77-year-old mark by riding 7 winners in 8 races on June 20. Track has its first Sunday racing on Nov. 4, when a crowd of 8,971 weathers showers and cool temperatures to wager $1,167,593.