An Iowa-based thoroughbred partnership is setting a bit of horse racing history this weekend at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Donegal Racing will have entries in all three of the track’s signature races, including the Kentucky Derby.
It’s only the second time in the 141-year history of Churchill Downs that one ownership group has qualified horses in the Kentucky Oaks, the Woodford Reserve and the Derby.
The 17 investors in Donegal will watch Keen Ice run the Derby. He’s the third horse owned by the group to reach the nation’s most prestigious race in six years.
The president of Donegal, Jerry Crawford, says that’s something special.
“There are about 35,000 thoroughbred race horses born each year, and 20 of them make it to the Kentucky Derby," Crawford says. "So there’s your mathematical calculation.”
Keen Ice comes in as a 50-1 long shot. But Crawford says the horse has been running well of late and the race could fit his strengths.
“There’s going to be tremendous pace in this year’s Kentucky Derby," Crawford says, "and for a closer like our horse who will be coming from behind, fast fractions being set up front really create an opportunity for surprises at the end of the race when horses come flying.”
Three-time Derby winning jockey Kent Desormeaux will be aboard Keen Ice.
Donegal-owned Paddy O’Prado finished third in the 2010 Derby. Dullahan placed third in 2012.