Bob Weihe, who most recently attended his 80th consecutive Kentucky Derby, has passed away at the age of 89, Louisville's WLKY reports.
The Louisville man had been in hospice care and made a final wish to attend the 152nd Run for the Roses one last time. CBS News correspondent David Begnaud highlighted the story, and Churchill Downs helped make the wish come true by providing Weihe and his family with five tickets.
Weihe attended the Derby with his family, including his wife, Barbra, who had shared in the streak alongside him for decades. According to WLKY, his son Mark has attended 57 consecutive Kentucky Derbys, and he and his brother Scott plan to continue the tradition for years to come.
In a social media post Saturday, Begnaud said Weihle went to his first Kentucky Derby when he was only 9 years old. One of the most memorable editions of the race for him was the 2020 Kentucky Derby during the COVID-19 pandemic. While spectators were not allowed to attend, a select group was permitted onto the backside to watch — including Weihe.
Weihle selected horses 1, 19, or 22 to win this year’s Derby. The order of finish was 19-Golden Tempo, 1-Renagade, and 22-Ocelli. Weihle also received a signed program from winning trainer Cherie DeVaux and winning jockey Jose Ortiz.
"I guess I'm lucky to be here for as many as I have been. And I'm lucky to have had my wife and my sons with me," Weihe told WLKY on Monday.
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This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
