Women in kentucky derby history

Women have played an important part in Kentucky Derby history. This history began in 1904 with a woman by the name of Laska Durnell and a horse called Elwood. In the beginning the colt’s, Elwood, record was terrible. Of course that changed when Elwood was brought to Louisville, Kentucky and honored for his excellent performance by C.E. Durnell, husband of Laska. Elwood was the first Derby winner owned by a woman. Another fact is that Mrs. J.B. Prather bred Elwood. Prather made history for being the first woman to breed a horse.

But Laska wanted to continue racing Elwood. Laska’s husband was not in favor of running Elwood in the Derby because of his poor overall performance and felt he was unable to win. As expected, Laska disagreed with her husband, but she did win the argument. Since she won the argument her husband boycotted the affair. Laska asked another trainer to saddle Elwood in the Churchill Downs. Elwood was piloted to win the Derby and roses were presented to Elwood on that day in 1904. Unfortunately, C.E. Durnell was not present for the ceremony.

Disaster struck when, after a race, Useeit was claimed in Mexico in a race. Hoots had become so attached to this magnificent animal that he would not honor the claim. He had to find a way to transport Useeit. He put her on a freight train to Oklahoma and with that action Hoots was banned from racing. In 1920, as Hoots lay on his deathbed he made his wife, Rosa, promise him that she would not sell Useeit. He requested that she breed Useeit with Black Toney and run the offspring in the Kentucky Derby. On a farm known as Bradley’s Idle Hour Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, Useeit was bred.

The most beautiful pony was born on February 17, 1921. The name given to this graceful creature was Black Gold. This name was derived from the oil that oozed from the Oklahoma soil. As expected, Black Gold won the Kentucky Derby on May 27, 1924. This made Rosa Hoots the second woman to run a Derby winner. But in 1928, Black Gold broke a leg and was put to rest.

Mrs. John D. Hertz. Mrs. John D. Hertz was the owner of the Derby winner Reigh Count. John Hertz bought the horse from Willis Kilmer for almost nothing. You are probably right if you think the name sounds familiar. John Hertz later became the founder and owner of Hertz Rent-a-Car. When he entered Reigh Count in races he decided to use his wife’s name. Sadly, the offspring of Reigh Count did not manage to win races. But then the Hertz’s luck changed. Reigh Count was bred with a mare named Quickly. The offspring was given the name Count Fleet. Count Fleet won the Kentucky Derby in 1951.

Helen Hay Whitney. A woman by the name of Helen Hay Whitney came to the forefront on May 16, 1931. Mrs. Whitney became the first woman to win the Derby twice. At Bowman Field on that day people were preparing for the race. The horse they were watching was Twenty Grand. As the race started, Twenty Grand was moving slowly. All of a sudden energy seemed to engulf Twenty Grand and his rider as he bound forward. The anxiety and anticipation could be felt throughout Bowman Field. Twenty Grand won the race with time to spare. Twenty Grand won again in 1937 as the winner of the Wood Memorial, Belmont Stakes, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup!

Isabel Dodge Sloan. In 1934, Isabel Dodge Sloan purchased Calvacade for $1,200. But Sloan has an interesting past. With the death of Isabel’s father, John F. Dodge, she inherited an automobile industry fortune worth $7 million. During the race, Calvacade wore down a horse called Discovery and ran to victory. The humorous side is that Mrs. Sloan was so excited at Calvacade’s win that many people can probably remember her victory screams.

Ethel V. Mars. Sweet victory occurred again on May 4, 1940 by a horse named Gallabadion. Gallabadion owner was none other than Ethel V. Mars. (Ethel’s husband was the owner and founder of the Mars candy bar.) On this particular Derby day Gallabadion was racing against Bimelech who was sometimes referred to as the best horse in America. Gallabadion managed to win this 66th Derby. Mrs. Mars was unable to attend the race because of an illness. Instead she listened to the Derby on the radio.

Elizabeth Arden Graham. Seven years later another woman became owner of a Derby winner and made history. Elizabeth Arden Graham owned Main Chance Farm’s stables. A fire engulfed the stables and 22 two-year old horses were lost at a value of $282,000. Even though Mrs. Graham was devastated, her prize possession Jet Pilot had been previously shipped to Churchill Downs prior to the disaster. Interesting fact is that the race was so close the judges had to review numerous photographs to announce the winner. The winner, of courser, was Jet Pilot. This made history as the first photo finish. Mrs. Graham was also known as the queen of the cosmetics industry. She was the creator and named after Elizabeth Arden products.

Hill Gail. Hill Gail became the Derby winner on May 3, 1952. Lucille Wright Markey became the sole owner of Calumet Farm after the death of her husband. Hill Gail became the fifth win for Calumet Farm.

Katherine Price. Katherine Price won the Derby with her horse Carry Back on May 6, 1961. Katherine’s husband, Jack, was the person responsible for training this majestic creature. On that day in Derby history, the people determined that Carry Back was their favorite. Somehow Carry Back knew he was their favorite and he gave them what they wanted. With almost a two-length win Carry Back was driving the fans crazy. But, tragedy came with the death of Katherine’s horse. He passed away in 1983. As a tribute to remember, his ashes were given to the Kentucky Derby Museum in 1985.

Ada L. Rice. Ada L. Rice and her husband opened and operated Danada Farm. All the horses racing were in Ada’s name. This also included Lucky Debonair the Derby winner on May 1, 1963.

Penny Chenery. And then on May 6, 1972, another Derby winner was born. Christopher Chenery was hospitalized in 1936. He owned a homestead in Doswell, Virginia, which became the nursery for 41 stake winners. Christopher’s daughter Penny Chenery, took over the “Meadow”. She grew attached to a horse called Riva Ridge and knew in her heart this was going to be the next Derby winner. Still in the hospital, Mr. Chenery watched as Riva Ridge won the trophy. He was so proud as he saw Penny holding the gold trophy and he knew she and Reva had won for The Meadow.

Karen Taylor. On May 7, 1977, Seattle Slew made the step to the Triple Crown. Karen and Mickey Taylor jointly owned him. In 1973, Karen and Mickey entered racing with the purchase of two yearlings at Keeneland. Mickey Taylor was responsible for the purchase of Slew.

Diana Firestone. Diana Firestone was the owner of Genuine Risk who won the Oaks and the Derby. All fillies raced with her name and the colts raced under her husband’s name. History states that there were fillies to win the Derby, but Genuine Risk was the only filly owned by a woman. Genuine Risk won the Derby on May 3, 1980.

Elizabeth Keck. The horse Ferdinand won the 112th Derby on May 3, 1983. The owner of Ferdinand was Elizabeth Keck and the breeder was her husband, Howard. This horse became known for his speed and will to win.

Frances Genter. On May 5, 1990, Unbridled became a winner of the Derby. At the age of ninety-two, Frances Genter, owner of Unbridled, won the Kentucky Derby. She and her husband began racing in the 1940’s. She is listed as the oldest winning owner, an honor for anyone.

We should all pay tribute to the women in Kentucky Derby history. Hats off to the women who took horse racing one step further. Let’s remember their dedication and commitment to the ownership of those magnificent and majestic creatures.