In one of the most open races in the Kentucky Derby’s history the finish was anything but, Animal Kingdom taking the title by a big margin.
The colt was ridden to perfection and blitzed the field in the final furlong to never be in doubt across the length of the home straight.
John Velazquez was the man aboard, a ride he didn’t even have until a couple of days before the race.
He was due to ride Uncle Mo but the second favourite was scratched before the race leaving him without a ride.
That changed though when he picked up the vacant mount of Animal Kingdom after regular rider Robby Albarado broke his nose earlier in the week.
It was a cruel example of the luck involved in horse racing and a factor which wasn’t lost on Velazquez when he spoke after the victory.
“It’s words that you can’t describe,” Velazquez said.
“But I do really feel really bad for Robby. I hope he’s winning the Derby with me here. I know he got hurt so this is for both of us, buddy. I know you’re not on it, but I know you’re with me.”
Animal Kingdom started the event as a 20 to 1 hope but that mattered little with money spread across the majority of the field.
It was the first Kentucky Derby win for trainer Graham Motion with a colt which has delivered on so much promise.
He didn’t encounter any trouble across the trip getting a dream run in the 19 horse field, completing the 2000m in 2:02:04.
Crossing the line in second place was Nehro with sentimental favourite Mucho Macho Man getting some glory with a third placing.
The news wasn’t as good for Archarcharch with the Arkansas Derby winner needing x-rays after suffering a leg injury.
