Fonso (1877–1903) was an

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

Thoroughbred racehorse and was the winner of the

1880 Kentucky Derby The 1880 Kentucky Derby was the 6th running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 18, 1880. Full results Payout *The winner received a purse of $3,800. *Second place received $200. References Further reading * {{Kentucky Derb ...

under jockey George Garret Lewis. Fonso was bred in KentuckyFonso's Pedigree
/ref> and was a chestnut colt sired by King Alfonso out of the mare Weatherwitch. Fonso won the Phoenix Stakes as a three-year-old over

Luke Blackburn Luke Pryor Blackburn (June 16, 1816September 14, 1887) was an American physician, philanthropist, and politician from Kentucky. He was elected the List of Governors of Kentucky, 28th governor of Kentucky, serving from 1879 to 1883. Until the el ...

who finished third, but is best remembered for going on to beat the favored

Kimball Kimball may refer to: People *Kimball (surname) * Kimball (given name) Places Canada * Kimball, Alberta United States * Kellogg, Iowa, formerly known as Kimball * Kimball, Kansas * Kimball, Minnesota * Kimball, Nebraska, a city * Kimball, South ...

in the 1880 Kentucky Derby. The track was particularly dry and the dust, up to 5 inches thick, Fonso kicked up obscured the path for the other contenders.1880 Derby notes
/ref> Fonso finished the race with a one length lead at a time of 2:37.50 and won $3800. The owner of Kimball called a foul in the race against Fonso, but the placing was not altered. Fonso had a career record of 12 starts, 5 wins, 3 places and 2 shows. Fonso died at the age of 26 while standing as stud at the Oakwood Stud Farm in

Lexington, Kentucky Lexington is a city in Kentucky, United States that is the county seat of Fayette County, Kentucky, Fayette County. By population, it is the List of cities in Kentucky, second-largest city in Kentucky and List of United States cities by popul ...

in 1903. His most notable offspring was the mare Fondling (br. 1886, out of Kitty Heron by Chillicothe), who produced the champion filly Imp.

Pedigree

References

1877 racehorse births 1903 racehorse deaths Racehorses trained in the United States Racehorses bred in Kentucky Kentucky Derby winners Thoroughbred family 24 {{Racehorse-stub