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Has a Gray Horse Won the Kentucky Derby?

Published in Kentucky Derby Winners 2 mins read

Yes, a gray horse has indeed won the Kentucky Derby.

While victories by gray horses are relatively rare, the iconic race has seen gray champions cross the finish line first. The most recent instance of a gray horse winning the Kentucky Derby was in 2005.

Giacomo: The Last Gray Champion

In 2005, a gray colt named Giacomo captured the hearts of racing fans by winning the 131st Kentucky Derby. This victory marked a significant moment in the race's history.

Gray and Roan Horses in Recent Derbies

Despite Giacomo's triumph, no other gray or roan horse has managed to claim victory in the Derby since his win in 2005. Although these distinctive horses frequently participate, they have faced challenges in reaching the winner's circle in recent editions.

For instance, the 2023 Kentucky Derby field saw a notable presence of gray or roan horses, tying a Derby record with five such competitors. However, even with this strong representation, none of them managed to finish higher than fifth place, illustrating the difficulty they have had in securing a win in the post-Giacomo era.

Year Notable Gray/Roan Performance Outcome
2005 Giacomo Winner
2023 Five gray/roan horses in field Best finish: 5th

This trend highlights the unique challenges and the historical significance of a gray horse winning the Kentucky Derby.