The Exciting 1963 Kentucky Derby Season

1963 Kentucky Derby

On paper the 89th Kentucky Derby looked to be one of the greatest battles for the roses since the race’s inauguration. The stage was set as one of the largest crowds in Derby history was on hand to witness its running while record wagering numbers were set.

The remaining five horses seemed to have little to no chance, but nonetheless, Bonjour, On My Honor, Gray Pet, Royal Tower and Investor lined up to face the barrier. With the sun shining bright on the nine horse field, the latch sprung open at 4:30 E.S.T. and one of the most anticipated Derby’s of all time was officially underway.

Never Bend shot straight to the lead and set blazing fractions, with No Robbery a half-length behind him. Candy Spots was rank at the start, quickly running up on No Robbery. They nearly clipped heels, but Candy Spots’ jockey yanked him sharply to the outside midway on the turn avoiding collision. Never Bend continued blazing along on the front with No Robbery glued to his outside trying to keep up. At this point, Candy Spots was less rank and in perfect striking position, laying third just three lengths off the leaders. As the field approached the far turn, Candy Spots’ jockey drove his colt to the rail hoping that No Robbery would drift out again and give him a pocket to zip through, but No Robbery stayed glued to Never Bend and with no other alternative, Candy Spots’ jockey checked the horse to swing around the two front runners. It was that very moment Chateaugay came charging and blocked in Candy Spots.

At this point No Robbery began to lug out and Candy Spots’ jockey asked him to run through the gap he created. As Candy Spots approached the opening, No Robbery drifted back in staying glued to Never Bend, closing the gap that was once there. Candy Spots’ bad luck was too much to overcome and with No Robbery fading, the Derby had now become a two horse race between the stretch running Chateaugay and the front running Never Bend.

Chateaugay had been cruising in sixth place for most of the race, until he hit the three-eighths pole and was asked to run. He made up a tremendous amount of ground, sweeping past Never Bend and beating him by 1 1/4 lengths with the winning time of 2:01 1/4. Candy Spots finished a neck behind Never Bend. No Robbery bucked shins in the race and finished fifth. The most famous race in America and racing immortality had somewhat surprisingly gone to Darby Dan Farms Chateaugay.