1963 Derby

We just KNEW there had to be a story behind this #PhotoFindFriday of 1963 Derby Winner Chateaugay in the Winner's Circle. Who's the man grinning next to the horse, and why is he wearing the garland of roses? We turned to our curatorial team to investigate!

Our curator of collections, Jessica Whitehead found a newspaper clipping from the Courier-Journal, showing what happened. Apparently, just like Authentic, (the Derby 146 winner), Chateaugay got a little rowdy in the Winner's Circle. The man wearing the garland looks to be Amos Martinez, an exercise rider at Churchill Downs, identified in the newspaper clipping. It's presumed he helped get Chateaugay under control, and threw on the garland of roses that seemed to be bothering the horse! 

The newspaper clipping also helps identify the groom, Goldie Snell. 

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Photo credit : Churchill Downs Racetrack

Newspaper Clipping: May 5, 1963 Derby issue of the Courier-Journal