Mine That Bird, born on May 10, 2006, is a notable Thoroughbred racehorse, famed for his victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby at 50-1 odds. His impressive racing career also included a second-place finish in the Preakness Stakes and a third-place result in the Belmont Stakes, with career earnings totalling $2,228,637. In 2015, he was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Background
Mine That Bird was born in Kentucky, sired by Birdstone, the 2004 Belmont Stakes winner, and out of the mare Mining My Own. His pedigree includes legendary racehorses like Northern Dancer from both his sire's and dam's lineage, as well as connections to Native Dancer and Mr. Prospector through his dam.
Early Career in Canada
Mine That Bird's journey began when Canadian trainer David Cotey purchased him for just $9,500 at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale. Racing at Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack, the gelding excelled, winning four of six starts, which earned him the title of 2008 Canadian Champion 2-Year-Old Male Horse. Under the guidance of jockey Chantal Sutherland, he secured victories in the Silver Deputy Stakes and Swynford Stakes. Following a triumph in the Grey Stakes, Cotey and his partners accepted a $400,000 offer from New Mexico-based owners Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine.
Transition to U.S. Racing
Once in the U.S., Mine That Bird was transferred to trainer Richard Mandella, but his performance in the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile was disappointing, finishing last. However, in early 2009, under new trainer Chip Woolley, Mine That Bird began to show promise. He placed second in the Borderland Derby and fourth in the Sunland Derby, which helped him qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
2009 Kentucky Derby
Leading up to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird's connections made an extraordinary 1,200-mile journey from New Mexico to Louisville in a modest horse trailer. Woolley, who had a broken foot and drove the horse himself, was hardly noticed by the media in the lead-up to the race. The race itself took place on a sloppy, rain-soaked track at Churchill Downs. Mine That Bird, ridden by jockey Calvin Borel, faced immediate difficulty, trailing eight lengths behind the field after a poor start. Yet, Borel skillfully guided him along the rail, rapidly passing competitors.
In a stunning turn of events, Mine That Bird surged from the back to win the Derby by 6¾ lengths—the largest margin in over 60 years. His time of 2:02.66 was remarkable, and his victory was considered one of the greatest upsets in Derby history, with only three other horses having longer odds. A $2 wager on him returned $103.20.
2009 Preakness Stakes
After his Derby triumph, Mine That Bird's connections deliberated over his participation in the Preakness Stakes, eventually deciding to enter. However, Borel, his Derby-winning jockey, opted to ride Rachel Alexandra, the favourite filly who had dominated the Kentucky Oaks. Mike Smith took the mount on Mine That Bird for the Preakness. Once again, the gelding came from far back but could not catch Rachel Alexandra, finishing second, just a length behind.
2009 Belmont Stakes
The final race in the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes, saw Mine That Bird return under Borel's guidance. After trailing early in the race, he moved up through the pack, but ultimately finished third behind Summer Bird, another offspring of Birdstone, and Dunkirk.
Later Career and Retirement
Mine That Bird continued racing, securing a third-place finish in the West Virginia Derby, but he struggled in the Breeders' Cup Classic, finishing ninth. In 2010, he was named New Mexico Horse of the Year by the state's House of Representatives, a recognition of the positive attention his success had brought to the region.
In May 2010, Mine That Bird was transferred to the care of renowned trainer D. Wayne Lukas, though he never replicated his earlier success. His story, however, gained wider attention through the 2014 movie "50 to 1," which chronicled his journey to Kentucky Derby glory.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Mine That Bird's unlikely victory in the Kentucky Derby became a symbol of resilience and determination. His story was celebrated in various forms of popular culture, including mentions in songs, a feature on "This American Life," and even a lighthearted skit on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."
Today, Mine That Bird enjoys retirement at Double Eagle Ranch in New Mexico, where he lives in comfort, receiving regular visits from fans and indulging in his favourite treats, peppermint candies. His legacy endures as one of the most improbable and beloved champions in the history of American horse racing.