Colonel William E. Applegate

William E. Applegate (December 18, 1851 – May 13, 1928) was an American turfman, involved in the horse racing industry for over fifty years. He was known as a bookmaker, breeder, racer and track owner. In 1894, Applegate led a syndicate that purchased Churchill Downs and implemented changes that remain today. The New Louisville Jockey Club was formed and an estimated $100,000 was invested to reconfigure the track and create a new grandstand with the iconic twin spires, designed by Joseph Dominic Baldez (1870–1957). The 1896 Kentucky Derby held historic significance. The race distance was reduced from a mile and a half to the present mile and a quarter, a larger purse was implemented and, for the first time, a "collar" of roses was presented to the winner.

In 1902, W. E. Applegate continued to hold controlling interest in Churchill Downs. A new management team was hired and changes were made to the structure, including the addition of a new clubhouse. Louisville mayor Charles F. Grainger was named president and Matt Winn, W. E. Applegate's tailor at the time, was named vice president in charge of the catering operation. Winn eventually became general manager of Churchill Downs.

Applegate's interest in horse racing was not limited to bookmaking and track ownership. Around 1889, he partnered with Charles McMeekin to establish Oakwood Stud breeding farm near Lexington, Kentucky.

One of the first of many horses owned by Applegate was Glasgow, a celebrated jumper. The winner of the 1914 Kentucky Derby, Old Rosebud, was owned by W. E. Applegate's son, Hamilton Applegate, Treasurer of Churchill Downs.

When W. E. Applegate died at age 76, he was considered the oldest living member of the Louisville Jockey Club.