Every year since 1875, Thoroughbreds from all over the U.S. line up at Churchill Downs for “the fastest 2 minutes in sports”. Today May 5th marks the 138th year of the Kentucky Derby and this tradition.

61 years ago as the racehorses lined up very few had their eyes on the 15-1 long shot Count Turf.  The starting gates sprung open and the horses were off. Count Turf was well positioned in the front middle of the pack. After turning the homestretch, Count Turf charged into the lead and never looked back…defying the odds and winning by four lengths.

Count Turf’s sire, a 1943 Triple Crown winner named Count Fleet as well as his grandsire a 1928 Kentucky Derby winner, Reigh Count became the first triple generation in history to have all won the Kentucky Derby.

After his legendary win at the 1951 Kentucky Derby, Count Turf was moved to Windy Hills Farm in Westminster, MD for retirement, the home of which is now Legacy Farms.