SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A Puerto Rican horse that can't win
a race now has a claim to fame.
Dona Chepa, a 9-year-old brown mare, finished last in a
six-horse field at Camarero Racetrack in eastern Puerto Rico on
Wednesday, a 125th consecutive loss that is believed to be the
longest in horse racing history.
Track spokesman Joe Bruno said Wednesday's loss surpasses an
equine losing record of 0-124 set by Australian horse Ouroene, who
raced from 1976-83.
There is no world governing body that tracks lack of success for
horses, but Dona Chepa's penchant for losing at least beats other
notable marks for futility, including Ouroene, Gloria Springs (106,
Japan), Thrust (105, North America) and Quixall Crossett (103,
Britain).
Dona Chepa, which comes from a distinguished line of champion
racers, began her woeful ways on Valentine's Day in 2001. The
closest she came to victory was in May 2003, when she finished
second, Bruno said.
The star-crossed horse has won $12,971 despite results that
include 22 fifth-place finishes and 90 others out of the money.