‘Derby Bob’ Bob Weihe Passes Away at 89 After Attending 80 Consecutive Kentucky Derbys
Louisville has lost a true sporting legend. Bob Weihe, affectionately known as “Derby Bob,” passed away at the age of 89. A fixture of the Kentucky Derby for decades, Weihe recently achieved a final, heartfelt wish: attending the 152nd Run for the Roses to cap off an extraordinary streak of 80 consecutive years at the races.
A Final Wish Granted
Weihe, who had been in hospice care, sought to experience the magic of Churchill Downs one last time. His story gained national attention after CBS News correspondent David Begnaud highlighted his wish. In a gesture of community and sporting spirit, Churchill Downs helped make the dream a reality by providing Weihe and his family with five tickets to the event.
Weihe didn’t just attend the 152nd Derby; he fully engaged with the thrill of the race. He selected horses 1, 19, and 22 to win. The final order of finish mirrored his picks, with 19-Golden Tempo taking first, followed by 1-Renagade and 22-Ocelli. To commemorate the occasion, winning trainer Cherie DeVaux and winning jockey Jose Ortiz provided him with a signed program.
A Lifetime of Tradition
The passion that drove “Derby Bob” began in childhood; he attended his first Kentucky Derby when he was only nine years old. Over the next several decades, the event became a cornerstone of his life and family tradition. His wife, Barbra, shared in the streak for decades, and the legacy continues through his children. His son Mark has attended 57 consecutive Derbys, and both Mark and his brother Scott intend to keep the tradition alive for years to come.
Weihe’s commitment to the race was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2020 Kentucky Derby barred general spectators, Weihe was among a select group permitted onto the backside to watch the race, ensuring his streak remained unbroken during one of the most challenging periods in the track’s history.
“I guess I’m lucky to be here for as many as I have been. And I’m lucky to have had my wife and my sons with me,” Weihe told WLKY.
Key Takeaways: The Legacy of Bob Weihe
- Unmatched Loyalty: Attended 80 consecutive Kentucky Derbys, starting from age nine.
- Family Legacy: His son Mark has maintained a streak of 57 consecutive attendances.
- Resilience: Maintained his streak during the 2020 pandemic by receiving special access to the backside.
- Final Triumph: Successfully predicted the top three finishers in the 152nd Run for the Roses.
Continuing the Spirit of the Run for the Roses
Bob Weihe represented more than just a streak of attendance; he embodied the enduring appeal and community spirit of the Kentucky Derby. While “Derby Bob” will no longer be seen in the stands, his dedication to the sport and the tradition of the Run for the Roses serves as an inspiration to fans in Louisville and beyond. His family’s commitment to continuing the tradition ensures that his passion for the race will persist for future generations.
