05/03/2026
Yesterday’s Derby crowned a new winner, but Danada has had roses in its story since 1965.
Lucky Debonair, owned by Dan and Ada Rice of Wheaton, won the 1965 Kentucky Derby with legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker aboard.
Lucky Debonair was bred by the Rices at their Danada Farm satellite operation near Lexington, Kentucky. He was sired by Vertex out of Fresh as Fresh, a mare descended from Count Fleet, the 1943 Triple Crown winner.
Trained by Frank Catrone, Lucky Debonair rose quickly as a three-year-old. He won the Santa Anita Derby, setting a stakes record of 1:47.00, then won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland before heading to Churchill Downs.
On Derby Day in 1965, Lucky Debonair defeated a strong field that included Dapper Dan, Tom Rolfe, Hail To All, and favorite Bold Lad.
He later returned to racing in 1966 and won the Santa Anita Handicap, defeating Native Diver.
Lucky Debonair was retired to stud at the Rices’ Kentucky farm and went on to sire fifteen stakes winners, including Irish Derby winner Malacate.
He died in 1987 at age twenty-five. In 2002, the City of Wheaton honored him with a plaque and memorial rock at the Danada Equestrian Center.
Danada’s Derby story is not just history from somewhere else. It is part of the land, the people, and the legacy still remembered here today.
Danada has a fascinating history and won many races to solidly their legacy in horse racing. Here are some of the trophy’s on display at Danada House. There is so much great information on danadahistory.org so to learn more about Lucky’s journey and the history of Danada:
https://danadahistory.org/notable-horses/lucky-debonair/
