It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bobby Ussery, the jockey who had his horse disqualified in the 1968 Kentucky Derby. Ussery passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020.
Ussery was born in 1932 in Oklahoma and started his career as a jockey in 1954. He quickly rose to fame and was known for his skill and determination. He won several races throughout his career, including the Arkansas Derby in 1965 and the Louisiana Derby in 1967.
In 1968, Ussery was riding Dancer’s Image in the Kentucky Derby when the horse was disqualified for testing positive for a banned substance. The disqualification caused a great deal of controversy and Ussery was devastated by the decision. He never rode in the Kentucky Derby again.
Ussery retired from racing in 1972 and went on to become a successful horse trainer. He trained numerous horses that went on to win major races, including the Arkansas Derby and the Louisiana Derby. He was inducted into the Arkansas Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ussery is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family released a statement saying, “Bobby was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a kind and gentle man who loved horses and racing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Ussery’s legacy will live on through his family and all those he touched throughout his life. He will be remembered as a talented jockey and horse trainer who had an immense passion for the sport of horse racing.
