It was perhaps the most contested finish in Derby history, leaving a rift between the top finishers that would last decades.
In those days, there was no such thing as the photo finish. Instead, four judges watched the finish line with binoculars to see who had won. In 1933, they said Brokers Tip beat Head Play by a nose.
Herb Fisher, the losing jockey, maintained until his death that he had been the winner, saying the judges had awarded the win to Brokers Tip because the horse was owned by a prominent Kentucky businessman.
Don Meade, Brokers Tip's jockey, said that was rubbish. In a 1993 interview with Sports Illustrated, he affirmed that he had fairly won the race:
"No question about it – and by more than a nose, too."
Mr. Fisher admitted he had hit Meade with his whip in the final stretch of the race and once after it ended. Overcome by the loss, Fisher attacked Meade in the Jockey’s room after the race. The two contestants wouldn't put the bad history behind them and shake hands until 32 years later.
