Upset winner of the 2009 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) Mine That Bird will make the Kentucky Derby Museum his home during the spring meet at Churchill Downs this year.
This is the first time the Kentucky Derby Museum has had a Kentucky Derby winner stabled on the grounds to greet the thousands of Derby enthusiasts during this peak time of year.
"As most Derby winners retire to stud, the opportunity to share a legendary horse with the fans at the museum is rare," said Kentucky Derby Museum executive director Lynn Ashton. "However, as a gelding and a fan favorite with his 50-1 longshot win, Mine That Bird is a great fit for all involved. We appreciate Mark Allen and Dr. (Leonard) Blach's generous offer to share him with us and the fans."
Retired in the fall of 2010, Mine That Bird has been stabled in New Mexico at co-owner Mark Allen's Double Eagle Ranch. He is expected to arrive at the Derby Museum at 10 a.m. on April 15 as the resident Thoroughbred and stay through July 4.
"Mark and I think the Derby Museum is a great fit for Bird," Blach said. "He loves people and he deserves the attention as a Derby winner. He's had a nice break on the ranch but with the upcoming movie, we want to give him the star treatment."
A movie about the Mine That Bird story, called "50-1," has wrapped filming and is in the editing stages with director/producer Jim Wilson. Capturing the stories of each of the members of the team along with the storied drive to Kentucky by trainer Chip Woolley, the movie highlights the unique blend of circumstances that led them to unexpected victory in the Kentucky Derby.
After winning the Kentucky Derby with rail-skimming jockey Calvin Borel, Mine That Bird went on to run second in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and third in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
The Kentucky Derby Museum most recently showcased Derby contender Perfect Drift (third in 2002 Kentucky Derby) as the resident Thoroughbred on the grounds and prior to that, hosted Phantom on Tour (sixth in 1997 Kentucky Derby).