At the time that Agile won it, the Kentucky Derby was at the nadir of its fortunes and reputation, and the colt only had to beat two rivals for the US$4,850 first prize. While Agile was a decent enough runner, he was readily put in his place when he was shipped east later in the season. He won the Advance Stakes from Beldame (who was not the same filly that she had been a year earlier), but he met up with the great Sysonby three times and was handily beaten three times with no excuses. Agile showed no form worth comment after his 3-year-old season and made his last start in November 1907, running last in an Aqueduct claiming race after being left at the post. He was not a success at stud and ended up siring a few foals in Texas, where his owner used him as a carriage horse.
Race record
66 starts, 14 wins, 12 seconds, 9 thirds, US$39,800
1904:
1905:
As an individual
A rangy bay colt who stood about 15.2 hands at the time of his Kentucky Derby win, Agile had a short back and well-muscled gaskins. He had a long stride and ran well over heavy going but lacked early speed.
As a stallion
Agile saw very limited use at stud and sired nothing of significance.
Connections
Foaled at Runnymede Farm, Agile was bred by Colonel Ezekiel Clay. He was owned by Captain Samuel S. Brown and was trained by Bob Tucker. Following Captain Brown's death in December 1905, his son Frank Brown bought Agile for US$5,700 from the dispersal sale, held in July 1906. Agile later passed to the hands of a T. Polk, a resident of San Antonio, Texas.
Pedigree notes
Agile is inbred 5x5x5 to three-time American champion sire Boston, a great racer in the days when four-mile heat racing was prevalent. He is a full brother to stakes winner Alpen and to Auvergne, dam of juvenile stakes winner Milestone (by Star Shoot).
A half sister to juvenile stakes winner Penn P. (by Powhattan) and to Mary Agnes (by Powhattan), dam of juvenile stakes winner Louise S. (by The Commoner), Agile's dam Alpena is out of Penumbra, a daughter of Pat Malloy. The next dam in the tail-female lineage, Penelope (by Commodore), was produced from Penola, a daughter of the English imports Ainderby and Sweetbriar (by Recovery).
Photo credit
Photographer unknown; taken at the 1905 Kentucky Derby, in which Agile led throughout. From the private collection of Dale Wyatt; used by permission.
Last updated: March 19, 2021
Race record
66 starts, 14 wins, 12 seconds, 9 thirds, US$39,800
1904:
- Won Sapphire Stakes (USA, 5.5FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- Won Waldorf Stakes (USA, 6FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- 2nd Southhold Handicap (USA, 8.5FD, Gravesend)
- 3rd Aqueduct Handicap (USA, 8.5FD, Aqueduct)
1905:
- Won Kentucky Derby (USA, 10FD, Churchill Downs)
- Won Advance Stakes (USA, 11FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- Won Phoenix Hotel Stakes (USA, 8.5FD, Lexington)
- Won Tennessee Derby (USA, 9FD, Memphis)
- 2nd Brighton Derby (USA, 12FD, Brighton Beach)
- 2nd Tidal Stakes (USA, 10FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- 2nd Broadway Stakes. (USA, 8.5FD, Gravesend)
As an individual
A rangy bay colt who stood about 15.2 hands at the time of his Kentucky Derby win, Agile had a short back and well-muscled gaskins. He had a long stride and ran well over heavy going but lacked early speed.
As a stallion
Agile saw very limited use at stud and sired nothing of significance.
Connections
Foaled at Runnymede Farm, Agile was bred by Colonel Ezekiel Clay. He was owned by Captain Samuel S. Brown and was trained by Bob Tucker. Following Captain Brown's death in December 1905, his son Frank Brown bought Agile for US$5,700 from the dispersal sale, held in July 1906. Agile later passed to the hands of a T. Polk, a resident of San Antonio, Texas.
Pedigree notes
Agile is inbred 5x5x5 to three-time American champion sire Boston, a great racer in the days when four-mile heat racing was prevalent. He is a full brother to stakes winner Alpen and to Auvergne, dam of juvenile stakes winner Milestone (by Star Shoot).
A half sister to juvenile stakes winner Penn P. (by Powhattan) and to Mary Agnes (by Powhattan), dam of juvenile stakes winner Louise S. (by The Commoner), Agile's dam Alpena is out of Penumbra, a daughter of Pat Malloy. The next dam in the tail-female lineage, Penelope (by Commodore), was produced from Penola, a daughter of the English imports Ainderby and Sweetbriar (by Recovery).
Photo credit
Photographer unknown; taken at the 1905 Kentucky Derby, in which Agile led throughout. From the private collection of Dale Wyatt; used by permission.
Last updated: March 19, 2021