The first international winner
by Lisa Harkema
The blue-blooded Kentuckian excelled in Europe, becoming the first horse to win an international race at Vincennes and later went on to be a stallion champion, siring the first European-bred 2:05 trotter and multiple Derby-winners.
Bred by Philemon Parrish, Wilburn M – for some reason only referred to as “Wilburn” is his short American career – was a daughter of Wilton and Rose Leyburn, herself a daughter of the legendary broodmare Mamie. Sold to the Bowerman brothers, Mike and George, the colt must have made a name for himself in training at 2. In late July 1894, the Frankfort Roundabout wrote that “the Lexington Fair, August 28 to September 1, offers an opportunity to see the very best racing this summer. Two races will be trotted each day. In the Agricultural Stake for two-year-olds, (…), the phenomenal Wilton colt, Wilburn, and others, will take the word.” However, come race day, Wilburn M did not start. As he wasn’t mentioned in newspapers reports one can only speculate as to why.