Herbert J. Thompson

Biography

Training for the legendary Col. E. R. Bradley’s Idle Hour Stock Farm, Herbert J. “Derby Dick” Thompson earned his nickname by becoming the first trainer to saddle four winners of the Kentucky Derby.

Born in Detroit in 1881, Thompson first worked with trotters, then in 1902 switched to thoroughbreds, initially for Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin’s Santa Anita Stable. In 1909, Thompson went to work for Bradley under trainer Cliff Hammon, and he took over the stable following Hammon’s death in 1918.

Thompson saddled the one-two finishers in the Derby in 1921, with Behave Yourself upsetting stablemate Black Servant, and in 1926, with Bubbling Over defeating Bagenbaggage by five lengths. Thompson also won the Derby with Burgoo King in 1932 and the following year with Brokers Tip.

Thompson also won the Preakness with Burgoo King and the 1929 Belmont with Hall of Fame member Blue Larkspur. Thompson considered Blue Larkspur the best horse he ever trained. Horse of the Year in 1929 and Champion Older Male in 1930, Blue Larkspur won 10 of 16 starts for Thompson, including the Saratoga Special, Withers Stakes, and Arlington Classic.
 

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1921 Kentucky Derby — Behave Yourself
Won the 1926 Kentucky Derby — Bubbling Over
Won the 1932 Kentucky Derby — Burgoo King
Won the 1933 Kentucky Derby — Brokers Tip 
Won the 1932 Preakness Stakes — Burgoo King
Won the 1929 Belmont Stakes — Blue Larkspur 

Other Highlights

Won the Blue Grass Stakes — 1921, 1922, 1926
Won the Laurel Futurity — 1922, 1923
Won the Matron Stakes — 1930, 1932
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1933