Donau, a horse from Nashville had etched its name in the history of equestrian sport. In fact, it won more than 15 titles as a two-year-old. In 1910, the thoroughbred won the enviable Kentucky Derby with great valor. But after an unfortunate event, William Gerst, the owner of the horse, who also owned a restaurant at Evansville’s West Side, bid goodbye to his beloved horse.

Significantly, two years after the Derby win, Donau faced its untimely death as a 6-year-old. It happened due to an outrageous epidemic, killing several horses in that stable. A 2019 report said that the restaurant continues to preserve the picture of the horse as a symbol of its legacy.

Derby winner horse faced a dreadful catastrophe

On May 10, 1910, Donau, the 4-year-old colt, won the 36th Kentucky Derby making its trainer, jockey, and owner proud of the achievement. The thoroughbred used to run almost four races in eight days, and with that much hard work, it encumbered an exhausting 29 contests in 1909, as reported by the Courier and Press. Things, however, soon took a turn. 1911 and 1912 were quite hectic years for the colt as it was not very happy with the food. In fact, getting annoyed, Donau started attacking other horses and refused to budge in the contests.

Nevertheless, by the end of 1912, the horse was out of racing followed by some unavoidable circumstances. The Gerst stable was inflicted with an unknown virus that caused the loss of 7 racehorses and Donau was among them. As the New York Tribune reported, “Word comes from Nashville that the Gerst stable has been inflicted with an epidemic that has resulted in the death of seven horses, Donau, a Kentucky Derby winner, was among the victims.”

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Donau, the strong, courageous, and determined horse, that aspired to make history, lost its life to a virus. Although, viruses, are still the greatest foe of the horses, causing ruthless killing.

Virus attack is not very unusual for the four-legged champs

Recently, Horse and Hound reported a life-threatening virus attack that has been attributed to the death of horses. Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) is disrupting the neurological stability of animals, resulting in their death. On March 31, 2023, a horse, that was showing serious symptoms of the virus attack, died.

As a safety measure, compulsory biosecurity precautions are being implemented that involve the isolation of horses for at least a time period of 21 days. This was followed by monitoring rectal temperatures twice a day along with routine Equine Herpes virus -1 tests. The authority is making sure not to lose any more horses due to the virus.

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However, even though Donau had to go very soon, its legacy still lives in that picture and in the hearts of its owner’s family.