Donerail

Donerail

Donerail after winning the 1913 Kentucky Derby
Sire McGee
Grandsire White Knight
Dam Algie M
Damsire Hanover
Sex Stallion
Foaled 1910
Country 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 wins
Kentucky Derby (1913)
Canadian Sportsmen's Handicap (1913)
Hamilton Cup (1914)
Horse (Equus ferus caballus)
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 the horses churned into the stretch, Ten Point was still leading, but at that point, Donerail struck. He pounded up from behind and, at high speed, quickly captured the lead. Other horses pursued him, but they could not catch him. 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.

References