Introduction: A Look at Foreign-Bred Horses

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race that has been held annually since 1875. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and is considered to be one of the most important horse races in the world. Over the years, many horses have participated in the race, but only a few foreign-bred horses have managed to win it.

Foreign-bred horses are those that are born outside of the United States. These horses are often bred for their superior genetics and are trained by some of the best trainers in the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the foreign-bred pairs of horses that have won the Kentucky Derby.

1887: Montrose and Dunboyne

The first foreign-bred pair of horses to win the Kentucky Derby was Montrose and Dunboyne in 1887. Montrose was bred in Canada and was trained by Ansel Williamson, while Dunboyne was bred in Ireland and was trained by Matthew Byrnes. The two horses were owned by James Ben Ali Haggin and were ridden by Isaac Murphy.

1901: His Eminence and Alan-a-Dale

His Eminence and Alan-a-Dale, both bred in England, won the Kentucky Derby in 1901. His Eminence was trained by Frank Van Ness and was ridden by Jimmy Winkfield, while Alan-a-Dale was trained by Thomas McDowell and was ridden by Jimmy Boland. The two horses were owned by Thomas McDowell.

1914: Old Rosebud and Hodge

Old Rosebud and Hodge, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1914. Old Rosebud was owned by Hamilton C. Applegate and was ridden by John McCabe, while Hodge was owned by John P. Grier and was ridden by Charles Borel. The two horses were trained by Frank D. Weir.

1924: Black Gold and Clyde Van Dusen

Black Gold and Clyde Van Dusen, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1924. Black Gold was owned by Rosa M. Hoots and was ridden by J. D. Mooney, while Clyde Van Dusen was owned by Herbert P. Gardner and was ridden by Earl Sande. The two horses were trained by Hanley Webb.

1964: Northern Dancer and Quadrangle

Northern Dancer and Quadrangle, both bred in Canada, won the Kentucky Derby in 1964. Northern Dancer was owned by E. P. Taylor and was ridden by Bill Hartack, while Quadrangle was owned by Rokeby Stable and was ridden by Manuel Ycaza. The two horses were trained by Horatio Luro.

1971: Canonero II and Dust Commander

Canonero II and Dust Commander, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1971. Canonero II was owned by Edgar Caibett and was ridden by Angel Cordero Jr., while Dust Commander was owned by Robert Lehmann and was ridden by Mike Manganello. The two horses were trained by Juan Arias.

1986: Ferdinand and Bold Arrangement

Ferdinand and Bold Arrangement, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1986. Ferdinand was owned by Elizabeth Keck and was ridden by Bill Shoemaker, while Bold Arrangement was owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah and was ridden by Chris McCarron. The two horses were trained by Charlie Whittingham.

2003: Funny Cide and Empire Maker

Funny Cide and Empire Maker, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 2003. Funny Cide was owned by Sackatoga Stable and was ridden by José Santos, while Empire Maker was owned by Juddmonte Farms and was ridden by Jerry Bailey. The two horses were trained by Barclay Tagg.

2009: Mine That Bird and Pioneerof the Nile

Mine That Bird and Pioneerof the Nile, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 2009. Mine That Bird was owned by Double Eagle Ranch and was ridden by Calvin Borel, while Pioneerof the Nile was owned by Zayat Stables and was ridden by Garrett Gomez. The two horses were trained by Chip Woolley Jr.

2019: Country House and Maximum Security

Country House and Maximum Security, both bred in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 2019. Country House was owned by Mrs. J. V. Shields Jr., E. J. M. McFadden Jr., and LNJ Foxwoods and was ridden by Flavien Prat, while Maximum Security was owned by Gary and Mary West and was ridden by Luis Saez. The two horses were trained by Bill Mott.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Foreign-Bred Winners

Foreign-bred horses have had a significant impact on the history of the Kentucky Derby. These horses have brought diversity, talent, and excitement to the race. They have shown that superior genetics and world-class training can lead to success on the track. As we look ahead to future Kentucky Derbies, we can expect to see more foreign-bred horses challenging for the crown.