Unforgettable Moment in Horse Racing History Spectacular Bid, 1979 Kentucky Derby May 5, 1979, Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby rarely forgives early trouble. That is why Spectacular Bid’s win still stands out as an unforgettable moment in racing history. Spectacular Bid came into the Derby as the heavy favorite. He did not get a clean, effortless start, breaking poorly, and putting himself in a spot where he would have to do real work to win.  Under jockey Ron Franklin, Spectacular Bid bega