Roscoe Goose House / Golden Goose, 1891-1971

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.