1985

World History

Star Wars research begins.

Aids epidemic scares the nation and the world.

U.S. vows "Just Say No!" to Drugs.

Churchill Downs History

Track begins an ambitious multi-million-dollar capital improvement program in February, with a Phase I pre-Derby project. Phase II begins shortly before the end of the Spring Meet.

On April 27, the new $7.5 million Kentucky Derby Museum is formally opened on the grounds with a fundraising, black tie banquet-ball attended by 700.

Twilight racing - a nine-race card beginning at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on weekdays - is inaugurated May 7, with 9,343 present who wager $1,153,148.