Owner of Unbridled, ’90 Derby Winner, Dies

Frances Genter-Knudtson, owner-breeder of Unbridled, winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1990, has died at 94.

Genter-Knudtson perhaps was best known for Unbridled’s Kentucky Derby victory. She was at Churchill Downs for the race, but could not watch it because of poor vision. Television cameras caught her joy as Unbridled’s trainer, Carl Nafzger, shouted what was happening as the colt surged to victory. Many were moved by her smile and tears of joy as Nafzger shouted, “He won, Mrs. Genter, he won!”

Genter-Knudtson, who died Tuesday at her home after a long illness, had been in racing since she and her first husband, Harold Genter, went to the 1938 Kentucky Derby.

Among the most promising of her Derby prospects were Rough N Tumble, 1951 Santa Anita Derby winner; In Reality, winner of the 1967 Florida Derby; Superbity, 1980 Flamingo Stakes winner, and Dr. Carter, who skipped the 1984 Kentucky Derby after he became ill.