Time for a running funny in our family…A Dragon Killer, trained by my father in law, Norman L. Haymaker, went off at 294-1 for a current Derby record. He finished 7th, but then on to win the Arlington Classic. He also ran second in the Ohio Derby. He was owned by Mrs. Sedacca (we can thank her husband for Christmas lights). In photos, Norman is usually holding a cigar & wearing his glasses & always dressed dapper. His assistant was Ray Collins (standing next to him & wearing a sweater vest in the Hay Roger win pic). The woman kneeling at A Dragon Killer’s feet is June Lockhart.
Twelve maidens have run in the Derby since 1937 – Bodexpress, 2019, 13th; Sonneteer, 2017, 16th; Trojan Nation, 2016, 16th; Nationalore, 1998, 9th; Pendleton Ridge, 1990, 13th; Great Redeemer, 1979, 10th; Fourulla, 1971, 19th; The Chosen One ,1959, 14th; Flamingo, 1958; 13th; On The Mark, 1950, 8th; Senecas Coin, 1949, 14th; and Bert G., 1945, 14th.
Norman also had that 1959 one at 15-1, afterward 7 Wins, 9 Places, 3 Shows out of 47 starts and ran until he was 8. Both horses out of the same mare, she had 10 foals of 5 winners, mostly by Roman Sandal. A Dragon Killer went on to sire some decent runners, but it’s hard to get complete stats from back then.
Best of luck today in your wagers, the Derby is never a given!
