Documentary filmmaker Cam Miller preserves past events on celluloid, as evidenced by his work on the Latonia Race Track documentary.
The historical documentary, "Old Latonia", delves into the rich history of a once-thriving horse racing track that captivated the Northern Kentucky region. Produced by Cam Miller, the film takes viewers on a journey through the rise and fall of the Old Latonia Race Track.
The Old Latonia Race Track, a major hub for horse racing in the region, operated from 1883 until its closure in 1939. During its heyday, the track attracted equine greats such as Epinard, Clyde Van Dusen, Zev, Black Gold, and Equipoise. The Latonia Derby, which occurred six weeks after the Kentucky Derby, was the track's premiere race, with jockey Isaac Murphy winning five Latonia Derby races and three Kentucky Derby's.
Miller's inspiration for the documentary came from the discovery of the diary of James Robertson, a Latonia Race Track employee born in 1890. The diary provided personal insights into the track's history, offering a unique perspective that adds depth to the documentary. Miller, a resident of Taylor Mill and an independent filmmaker, composer, and historian, had a personal connection to the site, which is now a shopping center.
The Old Latonia Race Track extended from Winston Avenue with its main entrance at the head of Latonia Avenue. The location featured a white and green grandstand, with a lake and flower garden in the infield of the oval. In 1912, a silent film titled, "Winning the Latonia Derby," was released, and in 1931, the movie Sporting Blood with Clark Gable was filmed around the track.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke at the Covington oval on July 8, 1938, an event that was recorded in the film. However, the track's financial troubles led to its closure on July 29, 1939, and its demolition in 1942. Historical Marker #1853 in Covington commemorates the site's historical significance, which sponsored the Latonia Derby for many years.
Miller spent about two years crafting the documentary, transcribing the entire diary of James Robertson for authenticity. The documentary offers a deep dive into the race track's history, significance, and cultural impact, aiming to keep the memory of the Old Latonia Race Track alive for future generations.
Miller has expressed a desire to see a statue commemorating Old Latonia, underscoring the emotional and historical resonance the track still holds locally. The documentary serves as both a historical record and a tribute, highlighting the race track's production history, societal importance, and lasting local impact.
[1] Old Latonia Race Track: A Historical Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.covingtonky.org/old-latonia-race-track
[2] Turfway Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.turfwaypark.com/history
[3] Historical Marker #1853: Latonia Race Course. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://kyhistory.com/markers/marker/historical-marker-1853-latonia-race-course/
A desire to relive the past and appreciate northern Kentucky's cultural history drives residents, as evident in the documentary, "Old Latonia," produced by local filmmaker Cam Miller. In collaboration with the city of Covington, the film explores the lifestyle and home-and-garden experiences of the Old Latonia Race Track, the once-thriving horse racing track situated in the region.
