Donerail

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Donerail
Sire McGee
Grandsire White Knight
Dam Algie M
Damsire Hanover
Sex Stallion
Foaled 1910
Country United States Flag of the United States
Colour Bay
Breeder Thomas P. Hayes
Owner Thomas P. Hayes
Trainer Thomas P. Hayes
Record 62: 10-11-10
Earnings $15,156
Major Racing Wins, Awards and Honours
Major Racing Wins
Kentucky Derby (1913)
Canadian Sportsmen's Handicap (1913)
Hamilton Cup (1914)
Infobox last updated on: December 16, 2006.

Donerail (b.1910) was an American thoroughbred racehorse, who was the upset winner of the 1913 Kentucky Derby. His driving win stands to this day as the biggest long shot in the history of the Derby. Going off at 91-1, Donerail provided a $184.90 payoff for a $2 bet. He was drawing away at the finish. He also set a new track record with a time of 2:04 4/5.

In that race, various horses had the lead and for a time it was Ten Point, Foundation in second, and Yankee Notions third. Roscoe Goose kept Donerail away from the pacesetters, but within striking distance.

As they so often do, the real race started as the horses churned into the stretch. Ten Point was still leading, but the supporters of Yankee Notions had high hopes: he was known to be quite good during the last part of a race.

Then Donerail struck. He pounded up from behind and, at high speed, quickly captured the lead. Other horses pursued him, but he did not yield, and they could not catch him. It was that simple. And when he crossed the wire, he was half a body length ahead of Ten Point.

A bay colt by McGee out of Algie M. by Hanover, he was trained by T.P. Hayes as well as bred in Kentucky by T.P. Hayes. His jockey was Roscoe Goose.

Out of 62 starts, Donerail won 10, placed in 11, and showed in 10. His other major victories came in the Canadian Sportsmen's Handicap and the Hamilton Cup. His career earnings amounted to $15,156. Considering that of all the thoroughbreds born and raced in the U.S. few make it to the track, much less win a dime, Donerail deserves much respect for his moment under the roses.


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