**Ted Noffey: A Hopeful Contender for the Kentucky Derby**
Ted Noffey, who got his name from a social media misspelling of the name Ned Toffey, The story goes that a trade publication was promoting an interview with Ned Toffey online when it accidentally transposed some letters in his name, posting a message on X that referred to him as “Ted Noffey” Toffey’s daughter Meghan spotted the mistake and took a screenshot then sent it to Erik Gustavson the owner of Spendthrift Farm, who found the mistake humorous and decided to name a colt “Ted Noffey” as an inside joke and a tribute to their general manager Ned Toffey.
Ted Noffey is a talented, undefeated 2-year-old champion and possibly horse of the year, who could potentially be a contender for the Derby. However, statistically, the odds are against him winning the Derby. There is nothing royal about California-bred Streak of Luck, the Dam of Ted Noffey, a turf stakes winner with modest turf heritage. Her biggest win was the 2020 Lady Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury Park.
Ted Noffey’s sire, Into Mischief, has produced three Derby winners, making him one of the most successful sires in history. In fact, only five sires have sired three Derby winners; none have sired more than three.
Into Mischief: Authentic (2020), Mandaloun (2021), Sovereignty (2025)
Bull Lea: Citation (1948), Hill Gail (1952), Iron Liege (1957)
Sir Gallahad III: Gallant Fox (1930), Gallahadion (1940), Hoop Jr. (1945)
Falsetto: Chant (1894), His Eminence (1901), Sir Huon (1906)
Virgil: Vagrant (1876), Hindoo (1881), Ben Ali (1886)
Only eight horses have won both the Hopeful Stakes and the Kentucky Derby, and it’s been 47 years since Affirmed did it in 1978.
1. Regret (1914 Hopeful, 1915 Derby)
2. Morvich (1921 Hopeful, 1922 Derby)
3. Whirlaway (1940 Hopeful, 1941 Derby) – Also won the Triple Crown
4. Middleground (1949 Hopeful, 1950 Derby)
5. Needles (1955 Hopeful, 1956 Derby)
6. Secretariat (1972 Hopeful, 1973 Derby) – Also won the Triple Crown
7. Foolish Pleasure (1974 Hopeful, 1975 Derby)
8. Affirmed (1977 Hopeful, 1978 Derby) – Also won the Triple Crown
Some people might think I have been smoking some Herby Dopeful for picking an early Derby hopeful with the odds stacked greatly against him, and that’s just what makes the sport so exciting and addictive. Even though the odds aren’t in Ted Noffey’s favor, I’m all in when he gears up for the 2026 Derby prep races. I’m holding onto the hope he’ll race his heart out and maybe even win at the Kentucky Derby. Ted Noffey, My Derby Hopeful.
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