Edward D. Brown

Edward Dudley Brown (c. 1850 – May 11, 1906) was an American who, although born as a slave, rose to become a Belmont Stakes-winning jockey, a Kentucky Derby-winning horse trainer, and an owner of several of the top racehorses during the last decade of the 19th century, earning him induction into the United States Racing Hall of Fame.

Biography Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Brown was sold at the age of seven to Robert A. Alexander, proprietor of the famous Woodburn Stud near Midway, Kentucky. He worked as a groom and grew up developing a keen understanding of horse breeding and how to condition horses for racing. He was nicknamed "Brown Dick" after a famous horse of that name, an apparent reference to Brown's own speed as a foot racer.

Robert Alexander died in 1867, and two years later Woodburn Stud manager Daniel Swigert left to establish Stockwood Farm. Brown accepted an offer to ride for Swigert's new stable and in 1870 he won the Belmont Stakes aboard Kingfisher. However, as he developed into a young man his weight gain hampered his ability to successfully compete in flat racing and for a short time he switched to riding steeplechase horses. With his vast knowledge of thoroughbreds, in 1874 Brown turned to training Swigert's horses. In 1877, he conditioned Kentucky Derby winner Baden-Baden. Brown was also the original trainer of Belmont Stakes winner Spendthrift and future Hall of Fame colt Hindoo (the 1881 Kentucky Derby winner) before they were sold at age two by Swigert.

In 1984, Brown's important role in thoroughbred racing was confirmed with his induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, as "a standout jockey and then one of the top trainers of the 19th century".