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Lot # 1185: Original Horseshoe worn by 1968 Kentucky Derby Winner Forward Pass

Category: Horse Racing

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 10 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2020 Fall Classic",
which ran from 11/11/2020 7:00 PM to
12/11/2020 11:00 PM



A very rare find for Kentucky Derby enthusiasts and Thoroughbred racing memorabilia collectors. This singular horse shoe was worn by one of the most unusual Kentucky Derby winners in the history of the “Run for the Roses.” When Dancer's Image was disqualified from winning the 1968 Kentucky Derby because he tested positive for buteazolidan, an anti-inflammatory drug that was then prohibited, the second place finisher, Calumet Farm's Forward Pass, had the historical designation of becoming the first horse to win the Derby through disqualification. The final decision came in a civil court decision five years after the race had been run. But talent cannot be denied. Amidst all the ongoing litigation and contention at the time, Forward Pass won the 1968 Preakness Stakes two weeks after the Derby. So coming into the Belmont Stakes, this unique scenario set up a very controversial yet compelling situation of a horse winning the Triple Crown by technicality. However, the predicament was averted when Forward Pass finished second to Stage Door Johnny in the classic New York race. Still, Forward Pass’s story remains a topic of discussion nearly a half century later. During his impressive career, he finished in the money for 18 of his 23 career starts, including 10 first-place finishes, and earned an Eclipse Award for 1968 Champion 3 Year Old Colt. He was retired to stud following the 1968 Travers Stakes, returning to the legendary Calumet Farm, where he was foaled. Ten years after that controversial Kentucky Derby, Forward Pass was exported to Japan, where he died in 1980. The Forward Pass horse shoe was originally obtained during the 1968 Triple Crown racing season by the noted farrier “Big” John Taylor, then donated for auction to the Jana Domino Foundation. The aluminum racing plate still features racetrack dirt remnants and contains the hand-written inscription F. Pass. The shoe is mounted on a solid walnut triangular-shaped plaque measuring 10.5" x 8.5" with associated engraved brass haltertag nameplate and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

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