Nice collection of 3 full admission tickets to Churchill Downs on Derby Days 1938, 1941, and 1973. The 1938 and 1941 tickets are as strong at the perforation as the day they were printed. The 1973 ticket has more wear and does bend at the perforations.
1) May 7, 1938 $2.35 General Admission Ticket. The winner, Lawrin, was the first Kentucky Derby winner ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro. Lawrin did not go on to run in the two remaining legs of the Triple Crown. Ticket appears to be NM but has some light/moderate staining on a couple of areas of the front (mid-left bottom and upper right corner), that are visible. Back exhibits darker staining that covers about 20/25% of the surface. All text is still readable.
2) May 3, 1941 $2.35 General Admission Ticket. Kentucky Derby winner Whirlaway went on to capture the Preakness and Belmont to win the Triple Crown that year. The 1941 Horse of the Year is rated by many behind only War Admiral as one of the greatest horses to win the Derby. He would finish his career with 32 wins, 15 seconds, and 9 thirds in 60 starts. Whirlaway would be jockey Eddie Arcaro's second Derby winner. Clean, crease free ticket with some corner wear giving it an EX look.
3) May 5, 1973 $15.00 Grandstand Terrace Ticket. 1973 Kentucky Derby winner Secretariat would also take the Preakness and Belmont to end a 25 year Triple Crown drought since the great Citation won in 1948. Secretariat set track records in all 3 races and still holds the record for the Derby and Belmont. The 1973 Horse of the Year would finish his career with a lifetime record of 16 wins, 3 seconds, 1 third in 21 starts. Secretariat remains one of the most popular names ever in Horse Racing History. Ticket has retained nice color and presents about VG with center crease and some front surface wear. Back is mostly clean but some minor surface wear is present around edges.