In 1968, a drug test led officials to controversially disqualify Kentucky Derby winner Dancer’s Image and award the trophy to Forward Pass.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s been more than 50 years since the 1968 Kentucky Derby, the first time in the history of the race that a winner has been disqualified. Dancer’s Image was the original victor, rallying three-fourths of the way through the race to make up for a slow start and winning by a length and a half. But mere days later, it came to light that the American Thoroughbred had failed a post-race drug test. The horse had tested positive for phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used as a pain reliever in horses and other animals, according to race officials.
