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Here's a picture of Violet, taken by Barbie in September. I include it because she is related to the second Kentucky Derby in history, but I couldn't find an image of him to share.Vagrant was a gelding by Virgil and Lazy by Scythian. He was born in 1873 and was eventually purchased by William Astor. His dad, Virgil, sired three Kentucky Derby winners -- Vagrant, Hindoo, and Ben Ali.
Vagrant ran for 9 years, from 1875 to 1883, as a 10 year-old horse. His final record was 88: 20-12-12. Then, get this, as he could not be bred, and he no longer could race, he was sold. He spent the rest of his life as a cart horse on the streets of Lexington.
Can you believe that? Imagine the book that horse could write? Raced 9 years for the richest family in America and not even earn a retirement!?! I mean, win the Kentucky Derby and not earn a cushy retirement! Then have to pull a Black Beauty or a Godolphin Arabian and have to haul a cart around a city? I just can't believe it.
So, next time you are in the beautiful city of Lexington, driving around, just give a thought or two to Vagrant who won the Kentucky Derby and then worked like a proud horse on the streets.