Chip Woolley out, D. Wayne Lukas in as trainer for 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird

Mine That Bird moves to Lukas’ barn

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas is the new trainer for 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.

Chip Woolley, who guided the gelding to a 50-1 upset in last year’s Derby, said Wednesday the 4-year-old is being shipped to Lukas’ barn at Churchill Downs immediately.

Mine That Bird had been resting in New Mexico for several months following a grueling 3-year-old campaign that included one of the biggest upsets in Derby history. Jockey Calvin Borel piloted the undersized bay along the rail and through the slop under the twin spires to win the Run for the Roses by a stunning 6¾ lengths.

Woolley said he was “devastated” by the decision but will continue to train other horses for Mine That Bird’s owners, Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach.

“A guy’s got to feel like after winning the Derby you’d get your horse back but I guess you know apparently I didn’t do enough,” Woolley said.

Allen did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press, but Woolley said the decision to switch trainers wasn’t made by his longtime friend.

“I don’t think Mark wanted to move the horse at all, period,” he said.

Woolley and Allen became folk heroes after last year’s Derby and their unlikely path to Churchill Downs became the stuff of legend. They met in a bar fight 25 years ago, and the two self-proclaimed cowboys from New Mexico played in stark contrast to their more refined Derby counterparts.

Woolley hobbled around Churchill Downs the week before the Derby on crutches, the result of a motorcycle accident. His trademark black hat and horseshoe mustache made him instantly recognizable.

Mine That Bird’s bid for a Triple Crown ended two weeks later when he finished second to filly Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, followed by a third-place finish in the Belmont.

Summer Bird, who won the Belmont for trainer Tim Ice, was later moved to Tim Ritchey’s barn.

Mine That Bird’s 3-year-old campaign ended with a disappointing ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita.

He’s been resting at Double Eagle Ranch in New Mexico for the last few months. Woolley visited the horse a few days ago and said he “looked like a smooth million dollars.”

Woolley said he’s not sure when Mine That Bird will return to racing. He hinted before this year’s Derby that it probably wouldn’t be until the middle of the summer.

“He’s put on a lot of weight and looks super, just super,” Woolley said. “I expect great things from him in the future.”