The 1909 Kentucky Derby marked a significant milestone in the history of horse racing, particularly for the state of Ohio. On May 3, 1909, Wintergreen, a horse bred in Ohio, won the prestigious race at Churchill Downs, becoming the first horse from the state to achieve this feat. This victory not only highlighted the capabilities of Ohio-bred horses but also brought attention to the state's potential in the horse racing industry.
Wintergreen's Journey to Victory
Wintergreen was trained
by Charles Mack and ridden by jockey Vincent Powers. The horse was owned by Jerome B. Respess, a multimillionaire who also bred Wintergreen at his Ohio stud farm. Respess was known for his involvement in the brewing industry, but his passion for horse racing led him to invest in breeding and training horses. Wintergreen's sire, Dick Welles, was named after Richard H. Welles, the father of the famous filmmaker Orson Welles.
Wintergreen's victory in the 1909 Kentucky Derby was a testament to the quality of breeding and training that Respess provided. Despite not winning any stakes races before or after the Derby, Wintergreen was a consistent performer throughout his career, racing from ages two to seven. His win at the Derby was a highlight in a career that saw him earn a total of $12,820.
The Race Day and Results
The 1909 Kentucky Derby was the 35th running of the event, held at the iconic Churchill Downs. Wintergreen completed the race in 2:08.20, securing first place. The second-place horse, Miami, finished four lengths behind Wintergreen, while Dr. Barkley took third place. The winner's purse was $4,850, a substantial sum at the time, reflecting the importance of the race.
Several horses, including T.M. Green, Ada Meade, and Woolwinder, were scratched before the race, leaving Wintergreen to compete against a smaller field. Despite the reduced competition, Wintergreen's performance was impressive and solidified his place in history as the first Ohio-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
Legacy and Impact on Ohio's Horse Racing
Wintergreen's victory had a lasting impact on Ohio's reputation in the horse racing world. It demonstrated that horses bred outside the traditional racing states could compete and win at the highest levels. This win encouraged other breeders in Ohio to invest in the industry, hoping to replicate Respess's success.
Unfortunately, Wintergreen's life ended tragically in 1914 when he was killed in a fire at the Latonia Race Track in Kentucky. Despite this sad end, Wintergreen's legacy as a trailblazer for Ohio-bred horses remains significant. His victory in the 1909 Kentucky Derby continues to be celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of horse racing.
