The Most Unexpected Kentucky Derby Winners Ever

Mine That Bird Just One of Many Horses to Surprise in the Derby

May 5, 2009 Terry McNamee

No one outside of Canada and New Mexico thought Mine That Bird had a prayer of winning the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Once again, the experts were wrong.

Not only did he win, Mine That Bird ran the last quarter-mile in a shockingly fast 23-1/5 seconds — in the mud. Even Secretariat needed a fast track to post that kind of speed.

Here are some of the other horses who were unexpected Derby winners.

Doneraile, 1913

Doneraile remains the longest shot ever to win the Derby. The son of *McGee paid a whopping $184.90 to win. His rider, Roscoe “The Golden Goose” Goose, was riding in his first Derby, and it would be his only win in three tries. He went on to become a leading trainer, owner and millionaire in the years that followed.

Exterminator, 1918

The rangy gelding known as “Old Bones” was bought as a work mate for the 1917 Juvenile Champion, Sun Briar, but when the stable star was injured, owner W.S. Kilmer reluctantly agreed to run Exterminator in the Derby. The gelding defeated a field of eight on a muddy track and paid $61.20 to win. He was the second Derby winner by McGee. Exterminator went on to become Horse of the Year in 1922 and won 50 of 100 lifetime starts.

Dark Star, 1953

Everyone knew the great Native Dancer was certain to win the Triple Crown, but it was not to be. Native Dancer had a very troubled trip in the Derby, and, when he got a clear run, he just ran out of racetrack. Dark Star got the win and became the only horse to finish in front of The Grey Ghost. Others finishing further back included good horses like Social Outcast, Curragh King and Ace Destroyer. Dark Star, a son of Royal Gem II, was injured in the Preakness, where he finished fifth.

Canonero II, 1971

Born with a crooked front leg, Canonero was sold to interests in Venezuela for just $1,200 as a yearling. When he returned to Kentucky to run in the Derby, people said the son of Pretendre was badly outclassed. But the colt pulled an amazing upset in the 20-horse field, defeating Jim French, Bold Reason, Eastern Fleet and Unconscious. He paid $19.40 to win as part of the six-horse mutual field.

Like Mine That Bird, Canonero closed from far back to win the Derby by open lengths, but after the Derby, the front cover of Sports Illustrated that week stated, “Canonero Should Not Have Run.” He proved them wrong, winning the Preakness in track-record time. He was named Champion 3-Year-old Colt for 1971.

Genuine Risk, 1980

Genuine Risk was the first filly since Regret in 1915 to win the Derby. The strapping chestnut daughter of Exclusive Native defeated Rumbo and Jaklin Klugman in what proved to be a relatively weak field. She is considered one of the top fillies of the last 100 years.

Winning Colors, 1988

The big grey filly was one of the favourites, but was mostly a sentimental choice. After all, only two fillies had ever won the Run For the Roses. The daughter of Caro defeated one of the strongest Derby fields in history, including Forty Niner, Risen Star, Proper Reality, Regal Classic and Seeking the Gold.

Giacomo, 2005

Giacomo was another horse ignored by bettors on Derby day. The grey son of Holy Bull earned a 1-1/2-length win over Closing Argument and Afleet Alex. Future star Flower Alley was 9th. Giacomo paid $102.50 to win, which at the time was the second-highest Derby payoff ever.

The copyright of the article The Most Unexpected Kentucky Derby Winners Ever in Horse Racing is owned by Terry McNamee. Permission to republish The Most Unexpected Kentucky Derby Winners Ever in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Exterminator in 1922, Albert Johnson up.

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