Thomas Clay McDowell
| Thomas McDowell | |
|---|---|
American Classic Race wins: Kentucky Derby (1902) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Alan-a-Dale, The Manager |
Thomas Clay McDowell (March 9, 1866 - February 9, 1935) was an American businessman, Thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder, and trainer. He was a great-grandson of Henry Clay.
Early life and education
Born at
Marriage and family
In 1888 Thomas McDowell married Mary Mann Goodloe (1866–1953), with whom he had two children: Ann Clay McDowell (b. 1891) and son, William Cassius Goodloe McDowell (1895–1974).
Career
In the early 1900s, McDowell worked as a trainer for the Thoroughbred stable of William Kissam Vanderbilt in Kentucky. He also had his own horses. McDowell is most notable as the breeder, owner, and trainer of the colt Alan-a-Dale, which won the 1902 Kentucky Derby.[1] McDowell's other top horses included four fillies which each won the Kentucky Oaks, and The Manager, named the 1912 American Horse of the Year for his record of wins and money earned.[1][2]
In 1925 Thomas McDowell acquired Buck Pond Farm in Versailles, Kentucky from the estate of Louis Marshall. McDowell introduced Thoroughbred horses to Buck Pond and operated it until his death in 1935. Joseph K. Nelson, a wealthy Chicago businessman and native of Woodford County, Kentucky, purchased the farm from McDowell's heirs in 1936.
References
- ^ a b "Record of Thomas McDowell", Churchill Downs Incorporated Kentucky Derby Website
- ^ "Record of Thomas McDowell", Churchill Downs Incorporated Kentucky Oaks Website
External links
