1955 Kentucky Derby
81st running of the Kentucky Derby
The 1955 Kentucky Derby was the 81st running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 7, 1955. The race carried a purse of $152,500 of which winner Swaps received $108,400, a then record.
Winner of the Kentucky Derby
Swaps was a California bred American thoroughbred racehorse. Swap's became the first "All-California" colt to win the Kentucky Derby. Known as the "California Comet", this not being the only nickname he had many other nicknames. His second most popular one was the "California Cripple." This name was given because of how many injuries he had and still ended up winning the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer of Swaps
Swaps was trained by Meshach (Mesh) Tenney. Tenney was born on November 16, 1907, and worked with Swaps. Swaps then ended up winning the title of United States Horse of the Year in 1956 with the assistance of Mesh Tenney.
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