Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Bing Crosby

1904 - 1977

Photographed By Ken Smith, July 11, 2012

1. Bing Crosby Marker

Inscription. After Meadow Court wom the Irish Sweeps Derby of 1965, fans were treated to Bing Crosby's impromptu crooning of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." The famous singer and actor was part owner of the winning colt. Years before, Crosby had greeted the opening-day crowd at Del Mar Race Track in California with a rendition of "Where the Surf Meets the Turf." He and actor Pat O'Brien were original owners of Del Mar, where Crosby's knowledge of technical developments led to introduction of the photo finish.

Crosby and partner Lin Howard raced as Binglin stable and won the 1943 Suburban Handicap with the aptly named Don Bingo. Crosby typified Hollywood's interest in racing: Fred Astaire won the Hollywood Gold Cup with Triplicate in 1946; Harry James, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, and Jack Klugman ran horses in the Kentucky Derby, and Gregory Peck once had a starter in the Grand National. Other celebrities to own Thoroughbreds include Elizabeth Taylor, John Forsythe, Lou Costello, John Houston, Louie B. Mayer, Don Ameche, Telly Savalas, and Ronald Reagan.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.

Location. 38°

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2.506′ N, 84° 29.448′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60) and Midland Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Located in Thoroughbred Park (Triangle Park). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Midland Avenue, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arthur B. Hancock, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Warner L. Jones Jr. (here, next to this marker); E. P. Taylor (here, next to this marker); Dr. Elisha Warfield (a few steps from this marker); James R. Keene (a few steps from this marker); Sheikh Mohammed (a few steps from this marker); August Belmont II (a few steps from this marker); Isabel Dodge Sloane (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Photographed By Ken Smith, July 12, 2012

2. Bing Crosby Marker

Photographed By Ken Smith, July 11, 2012

3. Bing Crosby Marker

Photographed By Ken Smith, July 11, 2012

4. Bing Crosby Marker

Thoroughbred Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ken Smith, July 11, 2012

5. Thoroughbred Park

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 720 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 22, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.