Dudley Allen

Dudley Allen became a noted thoroughbred owner and trainer. He owned a stock farm in Lexington, where he trained his own thoroughbreds for racing and sold others to wealthy horsemen. He was the first African American to own a Kentucky Derby winner—he was part owner of Kingman, who was ridden by Isaac Murphy.

Dudley Allen (1845-1911) lived at 416 Kinkead Street in Kinkeadtown (now roughly Hummons Avenue).

Born into slavery in Lexington, Kentucky, Allen eventually served in the Army with Company M of the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry, 1864-1866, as a Quartermaster Sergeant. He married in 1866. His wife, Margaret, purchased a lot from George Kinkead in 1871. Dudley Allen lived in this house, on 416 Kinkead Street, for the rest of his life. Kinkead Street no longer exists, but Hummons Avenue now identifies the community.

Since many men working in the horse industry spent long days and extended periods of time away from home, many women in the East End emerged as leaders who shaped the community. Women, such as Margaret Allen, purchased lots and homes during an era when women were not readily afforded those rights. The fact that Margaret Allen and others took action, even when it was highly frowned upon, was one testament to their impact in the East End community.

Dudley Allen became a noted thoroughbred owner and trainer. He owned a stock farm in Lexington, where he trained his own thoroughbreds for racing and sold others to wealthy horsemen. He was the first African American to own a Kentucky Derby winner—he was part owner of Kingman, who was ridden by Isaac Murphy. He was also one of two leading trainers at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

This photo shows the Kentucky Association track in the late 19th century where Kingman, Murphy, and Allen teamed up to take the prestigious Phoenix Stakes.

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