A look back at historical events on this day in Thoroughbred racing

October 6, 1949--Col. Matt J. Winn, credited with making the Kentucky Derby (G1) the greatest horse race in America, died at the age of 88. He witnessed all of the first 75 Derbys.

October 6, 1979—In their only race together, champions Affirmed and Spectacular Bid met in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Odds-on favorite Affirmed, ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr., won by three-quarters of a length and became the first horse ever to earn more than $1-million in a single season. Affirmed was later voted Horse of the Year off this convincing victory over Spectacular Bid, who was named champion three-year-old.

October 6, 1989—Pari-mutuel racing returned to Texas with a meet held at G. Rollie White Downs. Racing had been banned in the state since 1937.