In the year of 1910, a bay colt quietly made his way into the world. He was by the stallion, McGee and out of the mare, Algie M. The colt was bred, owned, and trained by Thomas P. Hayes, and was given the name, Donerail. No one knew it at the time, but in just a matter of years, the little foal was going to grow up and rewrite history with his own rags to riches story.
Donerail was entered in the 1913 running of the Kentucky Derby. The young colt wasn’t expected to win the race, but his connections were confident that he would at least manage to hit the board. In a truly unique and unusual twist, Donerail wasn't even stabled at Churchill Downs like the rest of the competitors were. It was a hurdle for the horse to overcome for sure, but it was nothing that Donerail couldn't handle. When the day of the Kentucky Derby dawned, the gallant colt walked several miles to the track, crossing streets and traffic along the way. It was a risky journey to make for a horse that was known to be high-strung, but Donerail proved unflappable in his trek. The colt simply shrugged it off and took it all in stride. After all, this wouldn’t be the only obstacle he would have to overcome.
Overlooked and ignored by the betting public, Donerail lined up for the Kentucky Derby at staggering odds of 91-1. No horse had ever managed to cross the wire first in the Kentucky Derby with such imposing odds, but in horse racing, anything can and will happen, and the daring long shot was about to prove that. Donerail didn’t know that the public thought it would be impossible for him to win. The bettor’s selections meant nothing to him. The regal bay intrepidly marched to post, unabashed by his disparity and fully prepared to not only outrun his odds, but history as well.
The field took off to the frenzied applause of the crowd. Several horses made a mad dash for the early lead, and Donerail rolled up to establish position just behind them. He was content to watch and wait for his perfect moment to strike.
When the field came barreling into the stretch, Donerail made his move. Summoning up his courage and strength, he bolted forward, tenaciously kicking his legs as fast as they could go. Donerail began rapidly closing in on the leader, Ten Point, and with a decisive and powerful thrust he dove right by him to steal the lead. Fans watched in pure amazement and disbelief as Donerail, the determined underdog, surged to Derby victory. It didn’t seem possible for a horse with odds of 91-1 to win such an illustrious race, but Donerail pulled it off, rewarding his backers with an impressive payout of $184.90 for a $2 bet. It is said that Donerail’s massive upset helped contribute to putting the Kentucky Derby on the map, as his unbelievable rise to glory made headlines everywhere.
Donerail stunned the racing world by completing the 1 ¼ mile Kentucky Derby in 2:04 4/5, which at the time was a new record. His scorching speed and flashy record validated the fact that his startling victory was no fluke. Although Donerail's record time in the Kentucky Derby has since been beaten, the plucky underdog continues to hold an unbeaten record to this very day. With his staggering 91-1 odds, Donerail stands as the biggest long shot to ever win the Kentucky Derby.
Donerail was extremely boisterous in the winner’s circle and refused to allow the blanket of roses to be draped over his withers. Determined to have his charge showered in roses, jockey Roscoe Goose took the saddle off of Donerail, and proceeded to wrap the garland of roses around him in its place. The colt finally gave in, so Goose quickly climbed back aboard the bare back of his steed for the picture.
In 1913, the purse of the Kentucky Derby was the highest it had ever been, sitting at $6,600. With an all-time high purse, a record-breaking upset, and a new stakes record, Donerail’s shocking triumph in the Kentucky Derby will be known as a historical, record-shattering day in the sport. It was a joyous day full of thrills and accomplishment, leaving everyone who attended in awe. During the trophy presentation, Goose proudly declared, “I regard it as the greatest afternoon in my whole life for the reason that I was born and reared in Louisville, and I have won Louisville’s greatest race”.
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