Roscoe Goose House / Golden Goose, 1891-1971

Text

Historical marker #2552 commemorates jockey Roscoe Goose outside of his former house near Churchill Downs.

Roscoe Goose, often known as the "Golden Goose," had an illustrious racing career that included one of the most surprising victories in Kentucky Derby history. Goose became the first Louisville native to ride a horse to Derby glory in 1913 when Donerail, facing 91-1 odds, pulled off the remarkable win. Goose's career coincided with the growing popularity and profitablity of horseracing. He benefited from the rising interest in the sport and the higher wages that flowed to jockeys as a result. His purchase of this Italianate-sytle home reflects the increased pay that successful jockeys commanded.

After an injury sustained while racing in 1918, Goose retired as a jockey, but remained a part of the thoroughbred industry for decades. He became a horse trainer and owner while seeking to pass along his knowledge and skills. Many young jockeys mentored under Goose and he opened his home to several of them. Goose was later inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and his final resting place is in Cave Hill Cemetery. 

Those who attended the marker's dedication enjoyed a photo display of Roscoe's racing career courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby Museum, as well as a number of interesting speakers. Remarks included an introduction from Dr. Andrew Patrick of the Kentucky Historical Society, words of support from Mayor Greg Fischer and Marianne Butler the Councilwoman for District 15, and a dedication address from Michael Shea, the great-nephew of Roscoe Goose. The marker was unveiled by Michael Shea and Carla Grego, both descendants of Goose.

The marker was dedicated on April 12, 2018.

It reads:

ROSCOE GOOSE HOUSE
Italianate-style home built circa
1891. Owned by jockey Roscoe
Goose from 1913 to 1971.
Residential development in area
thrived due to Churchill Downs.
Goose benefited from the growing
popularity of horseracing and
increasing jockeys’ wages. House
reflected the rising status of
sport. First Louisville native
to win the KY Derby. Over.

GOLDEN GOOSE, 1891-1971
In 1913, Goose rode Donerail to
victory with 91-1 odds, biggest
longshot winner in Derby history.
Goose retired from racing after
an accident in 1918. Remained in
the thoroughbred industry as a
trainer and owner. Mentored young
jockeys and opened his home to
many. An early inductee to the KY
Athletic Hall of Fame, Goose is
buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.