Through the Lens of Clarke Otte: Life on the Backside of Churchill Downs
This exhibit features the work of Clarke Otte, a retired horse groom and photographer who captured everyday life on the backside of Churchill Downs for decades. These photos and the stories behind them are provide behind the scenes insight into the history of horseracing in Louisville.
Louisville Story Program gathered Mr. Otte's stories along with 31 other people who lived and worked on the backside of Churchill Downs to create the book "Better Lucky Than Good: Tall Tales and Straight Talk from the Backside of the Track." This book offers a caring, in-depth look into the lives and stories of equine workers in Louisville, and marks the first time in the history of American thoroughbred racing that equine workers have documented their own lives and experiences for the public.
Through the Lens of Clarke Otte: Life on the Backside of Churchill Downs is on display in the Bernheim Gallery at the Main Library during regular Library hours:
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.
Please note: All LFPL locations are closed on Derby Day, Saturday, May 4, 2024