Patch Much More Than a Novelty, Derby Has Already Had One-Eyed Horse

Patch is more than just a one-eyed horse. Photo credit: Coady Photography, Churchill Downs

OK, guys.  Enough is enough.

We know that Patch has one eye.  We know that he had an inflammation in the eye, and the veterinarians decided it was best to remove the entire eye ball.  We know that the owners named him, when they knew he had an issue with the eye.

And, now that we know that Patch will break the far outside post in gate # 20 we know that really the only thing he will see is the crowd when the gate springs open and the 143rd Kentucky Derby storms down the homestretch for the first time.

But you shouldn’t worry about Patch and his one good eye.  He will do just fine, because he knows how to run.  Straight. And, true.  He’s already proven that. Just watch the video of his impressive second-place finish in the Louisiana Derby.

“He’s doing good; really good,” said Pletcher, when I caught him outside his barn and got an audio interview.

“I’m not worried about him at all.  The horse can run.  He may just surprise some people.”

Having a one-eyed horse in the Kentucky is not new.  In fact, it has happened twice before. Two times.

In 1982, famed trainer Ron McAnally, who just so happened to be the guy that trained the late, great John Henry, saddled the horse Cassaleria for the Run for the Roses. Cassaleria had both some ability, in addition to his resolve and determination.  He won the El Camino Real Derby on his path to Louisville.

Patch is not a novelty.  The horse can run.