Oldest Derby-Winning Jockey Dead at 91

(Edited press release)

Ira “Babe” Hanford, who won the 1936 Kentucky Derby aboard Bold Venture, died Nov. 21 in Ocala, Fla. after a lengthy illness. He was 91.

Hanford was the oldest living Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and was the first apprentice to capture the Run for the Roses.

One of 10 children, Hanford grew up in Fairbury, Neb., and followed his two brothers to the East Coast to become a jockey. His oldest brother Buddy died after sustaining a head injury in a race at Pimlico in 1933. His brother Carl, now 93, is the Hall of Fame trainer best known for conditioning five-time Horse of the Year Kelso.

Hanford was at Churchill Downs for the 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

“Babe and I enjoyed celebrating the 70th anniversary of his winning ride by attending the 2006 Kentucky Derby,” said Virginia “Ginny” Hanford, his wife of 67 years.

In addition to his wife and brother, Hanford is survived by his two sons Glenn and Gary and numerous nieces and nephews, including trainer Gail Hanford.

A private funeral is scheduled for Nov. 28. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to the Kentucky Derby Museum to help its recovery from August flood damage.