The Kentucky Derby is known for the nail-biting races that stretch till the very last moment. Over the years, fans have witnessed innumerable edge-of-the-seat thrillers at Churchill Downs, but one iconic win that stands out is the story of Donerail, the longshot who caused the biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history in 1913. However, few people know that the champion horse had a tough time maintaining its balance just hours before his moment of glory.
The story of Donerail’s comeback is one of the best examples of sheer commitment and dedication. The 1913 Kentucky Derby race has always been a major discussion among equestrianism fans.
Things got worse as the Kentucky Derby approached
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Going into the 39th edition of the Kentucky Derby in 1913, the Bays colt, owned by Thomas P. Hayes, wasn’t among the favorites to finish first at Churchill Downs. With odds of 91-1, he had only won one race in his career leading up to the Derby. However, what transpired on that fateful day would go down in history as one of the greatest upsets in racing. The days leading up to the Derby are like the festivals for the horse racing fans as they flood the stable area.
Forced to leave Churchill Downs because of the overcrowded area, Donerail’s owners had to stable him a few miles away from the racetrack at Douglas Park. However, the owners didn’t know that things were going to be worse for them. There was a significant impact on Donerail’s condition on race day. As if the task of taking him away wasn’t challenging enough, the stallion faced another physical challenge while coming back to Churchill Downs on race day. According to NBC Sport, the owners also had to walk Donerail over dirt and cobblestone roads for more than three miles. This grueling walk over the uneven terrain took a toll on Donerail’s physical state and mental well-being, setting the stage for a heartwarming underdog story.
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However, on race day, as the horses lined up at the starting gate, Donerail was seen as a long shot with little chance of winning. While the race was expected to be dominated by the heavily favored horses like Ten Point and Yankee Notions, Donerail took off like a bolt of lightning. Ridden by jockey Roscoe Goose, the stallion was the first one to cross the finish line. According to Kentucky Derby’s official website, Donerail’s victory in the 1913 Kentucky Derby remains the longest-odds winner in the history of the race, with a $2 bet on him earning a whopping $184.90. However, this wasn’t the first time when an underdog made headlines at the derby.
When a one-eyed horse stole the limelight
While the winning stallion is the topic of conversation every year, in 2017, it was a one-eyed horse by the name of Patch, who won the hearts of the crowd. Six years ago, the Derby featured Patch, a forgotten hero who, despite finishing fourteenth, won the hearts of millions with his incredible performance. He entered the race as a 30-1 long shot, but ran with spirit and perseverance, moving up the field and taking 14th place.
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Audiences were in awe of Patch’s performance despite him not coming in the first place. It was the sheer commitment and temperament of the stallions that took them to glory.
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