Venetian Way

Venetian Way (March 23, 1957 – October 17, 1964) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 1960 Kentucky Derby. Bred in Kentucky by John W. Greathouse, he was purchased by Chicago, Illinois businessman Isaac Blumberg who raced him under the nom de course of Sunny Blue Farm.

Venetian Way was trained by Victor J. Sovinski of Kankakee, Illinois. At age two, the colt made nine starts winning four times. Of his eleven starts at age three, he earned three more wins. Leading up to the 1960 U.S. Triple Crown series, Venetian Way ran second to Bally Ache in the Florida Derby. He was sent off as the third parimutuel betting choice in the Kentucky Derby behind favorite Tompion and second choice, Bally Ache.

1960 Triple Crown

Ridden in the Kentucky Derby by future U.S. Racing Hall of Fame jockey, Bill Hartack, Venetian Way remained within striking distance then passed Bally Ache as they came around the final turn heading into the homestretch and won going away by 3½ lengths. In the ensuing Preakness Stakes, Venetian Way finished fifth to winner, Bally Ache, and then ran second behind Celtic Ash in the longest of the Triple Crown races, the 1½ mile Belmont Stakes.