Abraham Perry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abraham Perry |
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|---|---|
| Occupation | Racehorse trainer |
| Born | 1842 Midway, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | 1908 |
| Resting place | African Cemetery No. 2, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Major racing wins | |
| Colts Stakes (1876) Colt and Filly Stakes (1876) Belle Meade Stakes (1876) Clark Handicap (1877) Phoenix Hotel Stakes (1877) Phoenix Hotel Fall Stakes (1877) Coney Island Derby (1885) Saratoga Cup (1885) Tennessee Derby (1885) Tidal Stakes (1885) American Classics wins: |
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| Significant horses | |
| Joe Cotton, McWhirter | |
Abraham "Abe" Perry (1842-1908) was an American thoroughbred horse trainer. He was born in Midway, Kentucky. Abe Perry is best known for winning the 1885 Kentucky Derby with his horse, Joe Cotton. He was also the first African-American trainer of a major race winner to be mentioned in news reports after the race.
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Abe Perry's Racing Career
Abe Perry started his career training horses for General Abraham Buford. This was at Buford's Bosque Bonita breeding farm in Woodford County, Kentucky.
Early Success with McWhirter
From 1876 to 1878, Perry trained a young male horse named McWhirter. This horse won several important stakes races. In 1877, McWhirter raced in the 1877 Kentucky Derby. He finished fifth in that race. However, less than a week later, McWhirter defeated the Derby winner, Baden-Baden, in the Clark Handicap. This race took place at Churchill Downs.
Winning the Kentucky Derby
Abe Perry's biggest win came in 1885 with the horse Joe Cotton. Together, they won the famous Kentucky Derby. This is one of the most important horse races in the United States.
Other Important Wins
In 1885, besides the Kentucky Derby, Abe Perry and Joe Cotton won other big races. They won the Tennessee Derby in Nashville. They also won the Coney Island Derby at the Sheepshead Bay Race Track in Brooklyn, New York.
Where Abe Perry is Buried
Abe Perry is buried in African Cemetery No. 2. This cemetery is located in Lexington, Kentucky.
