As we await this weekend's major stakes races, I thought I would take a moment to mention that 2015 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the year Flying Ebony won the 1925 Kentucky Derby. One of two Derby winners sired by the very talented runner The Finn (the other being the remarkable Zev), Flying Ebony was not the most notable of runners -- he won just two stakes races during a thirteen-race career -- but permanently etched his name in history with his victory in the Derby. Facing nineteen rivals over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs, Flying Ebony was quick into stride grabbed the early lead through an opening quarter in :23 2/5, but then relinquished the advantage to Captain Hal through a half-mile in :47 3/5, six furlongs in 1:12 3/5, and a mile in 1:39 3/5. However, entering the homestretch, Flying Ebony advanced again to reclaim the lead and drew clear under jockey Earl Sande to defeat Captain Hal by 1 1/2 lengths in the time of 2:07 3/5.
Bred by the famed John E. Madden, Flying Ebony would prove to be a successful stallion, with one of his best foals being Dark Secret, who heroically won the 1934 Jockey Club Gold Cup despite fracturing his leg in deep stretch. The name Flying Ebony may not receive many mentions today, but on May 16th, 1925, he enjoyed a moment of glory as the best three-year-old in the country!
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