Sept. 3, 1935-Nov. 16, 2023
Renowned Hall of Fame jockey Robert ‘Bobby’ Nelson Ussery, 88, a celebrated figure in horse racing, passed away in Hollywood, Fla. on Nov. 16, 2023, due to congestive heart failure.
Mr. Ussery was born on Sept. 3, 1935, in Vian and dropped out of school at the age of 13. He then decided to try his luck at horse racing, receiving his first win at age 16.
Ussery left an indelible mark on the sport, ranking fifth in career earnings upon his retirement in 1974. His notable triumph includes clinching the 1967 Kentucky Derby astride the 30-1 longshot Proud Clarion. This victory was particularly remarkable, considering Ussery’s initial Derby mount, Reflected Glory, was sidelined due to sore shins.
The 1960 Preakness Stakes also saw Ussery emerge victorious with Florida Derby Winner Bally Ache. Sports Illustrated lauded his ride on Proud Clarion as “one of the best in Derby history,” solidifying Ussery’s reputation as a masterful jockey.
Reflecting on his career, Ussery expressed a belief that 1967 was destined to be his year, showcasing his unwavering confidence and intuition in the world of horse racing.
Ussery crossed the finish line first in the 1968 Derby aboard Dancer’s Image, who then became the first horse ever disqualified days later as the result of a positive drug test.
He retired in 1974 with 3,611 career victories and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1980.
He is survived by a son, Robert Jr.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
